Almirola, Ambrose set to return to RPM: The paperwork hasn't cleared yet but #43-Aric Almirola and #9-Marcos Ambrose both expect to be with Richard Petty Motorsports next season, the drivers told Popular Speed on Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "That's the plan," Almirola said. "We're real close on finishing everything. The continuity of keeping everything the same and working with this team and (crew chief) Todd Parrott will be a huge advantage. All the guys on this team do a good job and they understand these cars and what it takes to make them go faster." When asked about his plans for next season, Ambrose simply took a sip of water and pointed down at his hauler and said 'right here.' During a season where drivers are changing seats at rapid-fire pace, both RPM pilots emphasized the importance for the team to establish some continuity from season-to-season.(Popular Speed)(8-31-2013)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the AdvoCare 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway have been made.
Pole sitter #17-Stenhouse, Jr. chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole winners].
Outside pole sitter #99_Edwards took pit stall 23, the first pit stall before the start finish line.
#42-Montoya, who starts 3rd took the 20th pit stall, with an opening behind it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #20-Kenseth, who starts 6th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-31-2013)

First Saturday practice for the Advocare 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#99-Edwards 183.430
#5-Kahne 183.394
#2-Keselowski 183.031
#15-Bowyer 182.892
#20-Kenseth 182.296
slowest: #95-Speed 173.527 & #32-Hill 171.838. 39 drivers practiced.
#7-Blaney & #99-Edwards each got into the wall in separate incidents. Their crews will repair the minor damage. #11-Hamlin lost an engine late in the session. He will go to the rear of the field for tomorrow night's race.
Final practice will be this evening at 6:00pm/et and shown on Fox Sports 2.
See fastest speeds, laps run, top-10 lap averages on the Atlanta Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf).(8-31-2013)

Allmendinger gets ride with JTG Daugherty UPDATES - Official: AJ Allmendinger has an offer to drive the #47 JTG Daugherty NASCAR Sprint Cup car in 2014. Team owner Tad Geschickter confirmed to FOXSports.com a full-time deal had been offered to Allmendinger. The driver confirmed JTGD's proposal late Wednesday night. Allmendinger, 31, has competed in NASCAR, IndyCar and Grand-Am this season. With his experience in a variety of different series and manufacturers, JTGD brought Allmendinger in for the Michigan June race to provide a second opinion on what areas the needed improvement with the car mechanical, aerodynamic or engine. At that time, the team's current driver Bobby Labonte was 27th in the standings.(Fox Sports)(8-29-2013)UPDATE: AJ Allmendinger has agreed to a full-time deal to drive the #47 JTG Daugherty NASCAR Sprint Cup car in 2014. Sources say the team has scheduled a news conference for Saturday. Although team owner Tad Geschickter has offered Labonte a position within the company, the 49-year-old former Cup champion told FOXSports.com on Aug. 24 that he had not made a decision regarding his 2014 plans (FoxSports).AND AJ Allmendinger will become the full-time driver of the #47 Sprint Cup car for JTG Daugherty Racing in 2014, sources told ESPN.com on Thursday. Allmendinger has accepted a three-year deal to replace Bobby Labonte, who has been in the car since 2011. A formal announcement is expected Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where Allmendinger will drive the #47 in Sunday's Cup race.(ESPN)(8-29-2013)UPDATE 2: JTG Daugherty Racing officials announced that AJ Allmendinger will pilot the #47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry full-time beginning with the 2014 season. "For me, it is an amazing opportunity," Allmendinger said. "I looked at this year as a new beginning for me. I have worked hard and feel fortunate about every opportunity this season and I am very grateful. It has been nice to have the chance to really get to know the JTG Daugherty Racing team and the owners Brad (Daugherty), Jodi and Tad (Geschickter). This is the start of something full-time and I look forward to the next full blown chapter of my career with JTG Daugherty Racing."
"We are very thankful to Bobby," JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Brad Daugherty said. "He did such a great job establishing baselines for our company and we are glad we were able to extend his racing streak as long as we did. He is a champion of our sport and has won 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. He has a Hall of Fame career and we are very thankful to him and want to work with him in the future with our company. We will try to provide him with best resources to get him to victory lane this season."
As one chapter closes for the No. 47 team, a new one begins with Allmendinger. "We are pleased to have an opportunity to work with AJ going forward," Daugherty said. "We think he is up and coming with so much potential in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. We have a great opportunity to get to victory lane. AJ's hungry to compete to win. We are looking forward to the next chapter of our program and he is a big part of it."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-31-2013)

Ganassi will try to get Larson in some Cup races this year: Chip Ganassi said Friday that he will try to get Kyle Larson some seat time in a Cup car before the year is out:Q: Do you anticipate you'll get him in any Sprint Cup cars this year as far as running a race or two before the 2014 season?GANASSI: In terms of Cup races this year, right now the plan is to try to do that. It's never been my MO to push anybody out of any cars that are on our team. As you know, Juan has been a great asset to our team for many years. I'm not going to push him out or do anything like that. I would think there's opportunity to get him in Cup races this year and we're going to take advantage of those opportunities.(Chevy PR)
It is expected that Harry Scott - part owner of Turner Scott Motorsports, Larson's Nationwide time - would be willing to put him in the #51 Phoenix Racing Chevy for at least a couple races now that he owns that team.(8-31-2013)

Truex, Jr. has broken wrist; will drive at Atlanta UPDATE: An MRI on Monday confirmed a scaphoid fracture and sprain of #56-Martin Truex Jr.'s right wrist suffered in Saturday night's accident at Bristol Motor Speedway. Doctors fitted Truex with a special cast Tuesday he'll wear indefinitely. The cast enables him to better grip the steering wheel and compete in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway as well as the 11 remaining races. Truex worked closely with NASCAR this week and has been cleared to race. A multi-car crash collected Truex on lap 448 Saturday sending the NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota into the outside wall. Truex was treated in the medical center Saturday. MWR has yet to determine if a stand-by driver is needed for this weekend. Truex is 14th in the points and holds the first of two wildcard entries as he seeks his second consecutive berth in NASCAR's Chase the for Sprint Cup.(MWR)(8-27-2013)UPDATE: Truex, Jr. talked to the media Friday about the accident and plans for Sunday's race:Truex: "It was obviously unfortunate for something like that to happen this time of year with the position we're in and where we are at in points and trying to make the Chase and the Wild Card situation and all that, but I feel good that we're able to come here and race and do the best job we can do. I think that this doesn't change anything for us. We're going to race these next two races as hard as we can and try to get ourselves in that Chase and we'll do whatever that takes. So far today, I feel pretty good in the car. I was a little bit nervous coming here -- not real sure what it was going to be like. I've never drove hurt before. I've never been hurt in a race car before, but the first lap out on the track I felt really good and everything has gone well today."Do you plan to use a backup driver?Truex: "We do have a backup driver as of now. Scott Speed will be there to stand in, but after practice honestly I feel really good about -- I'm going to say there's a 99 percent chance that I will race the whole race. I felt really good today. We just wanted to have a plan in place just in case because I really wasn't sure what to expect coming here today. Like I said, I've never been hurt before, never had to drive hurt, never even had a cast on my hand for God's sake. So far, everything is going well."(Toyota Racing PR)(8-31-2013)

Stewart to meet with the media next week: After being sidelined for more than month when he broke two bones in his right leg in a sprint car accident, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and Stewart-Haas Racing Tony Stewart co-owner will meet the press Tuesday at the team's shop in Kannapolis, N.C. Given how SHR founder and co-owner Gene Haas said earlier this week that he hired Kurt Busch to drive for SHR more or less over Stewart's objections, Tuesday's presser should be one for the ages.(Fox Sports)(8-31-2013)

Atlanta Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Kevin Harvick(i) won the 22nd Annual Great Clips/Grit Chips 300, his 40th victory in 297 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 12 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch(i) (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in ten races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his 15th top-10 finish in 2013.
Sam Hornish Jr. (third) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Sam Hornish Jr. leads the point standings by 10 points over Austin Dillon.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-31-2013)

Harvick's spotter joining Ty Dillon next season: After nine seasons of guiding Kevin Harvick around the racetrack, Billy O'Dea will have a new spotting assignment in 2014. O'Dea will be the voice in Ty Dillon's ear next season as Harvick leaves Richard Childress Racing after 14 seasons to drive the #4 Chevy at Stewart-Haas Racing. The veteran spotter expects the transition to be "a good little challenge." "It won't be bad because I've been working with Ty since last year," O'Dea said. Dillon graduates full-time to the Nationwide Series behind the wheel of the #3 Chevy Camaro.
As for Harvick, Jason Jarrett, who currently spots for Ryan Newman, could be a possibility.(Fox Sports)(8-31-2013)

Busch on Nationwide pole at Atlanta: #54-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole for the Great Clips / Grit Chips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a speed of 180.563mph. It is his 7th pole of the year. #3-Austin Dillon will start second. The rest of the top 10: #6-Trevor Bayne, #5-Kasey Kahne, #7-Regan Smith, #12-Sam Hornish, Jr., #11-Elliott Sadler, #43-Michael Annett, #20-Brian Vickers, and #30-Nelson Piquet, Jr. Did Not Qualify: none. The starting lineup is posted on the Atlanta starting lineup page (pdf).(8-31-2013)

Atlanta Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Busch(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 22nd Annual Great Clips/Grit Chips 300 with a lap of 30.704 seconds, 180.563 mph.
This is his 33rd pole in 262 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his seventh pole and 14th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his fourth pole in ten races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Austin Dillon (second) posted his 19th top-10 start of 2013 and his second in two races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Trevor Bayne (third) posted his third top-10 start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his 15th in 24 races this season.
Nelson Piquet Jr. (10th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-31-2013)

Buescher on pole for the Chevy Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park: #31-James Buescher won the pole for Sunday's Chevy Silverado 250 at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, running a fast lap at 109.189 mph. #29-Ryan Blaney will start second. He is followed by: #6-Mike Skeen, #94-Chase Elliott, #32-Miguel Paludo, #3-Ty Dillon, #14-Max Papis, #51-Chad Hackenbracht, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., and #62-Brendan Gaughan. Every truck made the event. See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-31-2013)

Canada Qualifying Notes:
James Buescher won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the Inaugural Chevrolet Silverado 250 with a
lap of 81.074 seconds, 109.189 mph.
This is his fifth pole in 108 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and eighth top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in one races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Road Course).
Ryan Blaney (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2013 and his first in one races at Canadian Tire
Motorsport Park (Road Course). Mike Skeen (third) posted his first top-10 start at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Road Course). It is
his first in one races this season. Ryan Blaney (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-31-2013)

Elliott fastest in final practice in Canada: #94-Chase Elliott led the way during final practice at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Saturday. He ran a fast lap at 109.228 mph. #6-Mike Skeen was second fastest, followed by #77-German Quiroga, #32-Miguel Paludo, #31-James Buescher, #14-Max Papis, #3-Ty Dillon, #18-Joey Coulter, #4-Jeb Burton, and #19-Ross Chastain in top-10. 24 of the 30 entered trucks clocked at least one lap through the session. See complete results on the Canada practice 4 speeds page (pdf).(8-31-2013)

Elliott fastest in third practice in Canada: #94-Chase Elliott was fastest during the third practice session at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Saturday. He ran a fast lap at 109.204mph. #6-Mike Skeen was second fastest, followed by: #29-Ryan Blaney, #39-Alex Guenette, #32-Miguel Paludo, #3-Ty Dillon, #14-Max Papis, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #51-Chad Hackenbracht, and #77-German Quiroga. 28 of the 30 entered trucks clocked at least one lap through the session. See complete results on the Canada practice 3 speeds page (pdf).(8-31-2013)

Kurt Busch to appear in Checkered Flag Zone at Chicago: #78-Kurt Busch will join fans for a question-and-answer session inside the Checkered Flag Fan Zone on Sunday, Sept. 15. The question-and-answer session will take place prior to the green flag of the GEICO 400, the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup at Chicagoland Speedway. Also appearing on Sunday in the Checkered Flag Fan Zone will be Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick. On Saturday, Sept. 14, NASCAR legends and brothers Bobby Allison and Donnie Allison will host the Checkered Flag Fan Zone, before the start of the Dollar General 300 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Located just outside the main entrance, the Checkered Flag Fan Zone provides race fans with a unique hospitality opportunity to enhance their race day experience. In addition to behind the scenes driver access and a full buffet meal in a climate-controlled tent with unlimited soda, water and three beer tickets, fans will also have access to music, entertainment and prizes. Tickets to the Checkered Flag Fan Zone are as low as $99 on Saturday, Sept. 14 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 Powered by Coca-Cola, $129 on Sunday, Sept. 15 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup GEICO 400, or special weekend pricing of $210 for both days.(Chicagoland PR)(8-31-2013)

Free concert at Dover; National Anthem singers announced: Reigning ACM & CMA "Vocal Duo of the Year" Thompson Square will perform a free concert for race fans the morning of the Sunday, Sept. 29 "AAA 400" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Victory Plaza. Husband and wife Keifer and Shawna Thompson introduced themselves to the country music scene in a big way in 2011 with their self-titled album, as Billboard named the duo the No. 1 New Country Artist of 2011 and No. 6 All Genre New Artist of 2011. Thompson Square's new album, Just Feels Good, was released earlier this year and has spawned two hits to-date. The award-winning artists will also sing the National Anthem prior to the "AAA 400".
Nashville's hottest, rising female singer-songwriter Ann Marie will perform the "Star Spangled Banner" prior to the Friday, Sept. 27 "Drive Sober 150" presented by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race. She has opened for Darius Rucker, Josh Turner and a host of other country stars, and just released her debut single "Cowboy Up."
The following day, Kristin Moore, proud military spouse to Col. Rick Moore, Commander of the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, will sing the National Anthem to kick off the Saturday, Sept. 28 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.(Dover PR)(8-31-2013E)

News from August 30, 2013

Stenhouse, Jr. wins Atlanta pole: #17-Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. won the pole for the AdvoCare 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway with speed of 189.688mph for his 1st pole of 2013 and the 1st of his career.
#99-Edwards is on the outside pole, followed by #42-Montoya, #11-Hamlin, #24-Gordon, #20-Kenseth, #56-Truex, Jr., #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #18-Busch, and #48-Johnson. Only 43 teams were entered so everyone made the race.
See the starting lineup, pole progression, qualifying results, qualifying order on the Atlanta Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(8-30-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Atlanta:
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 54th Annual ADVOCARE 500 with a lap of 29.227 seconds, 189.688 mph.
This is his first pole in 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and fourth top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Carl Edwards (second) posted his 13th top-10 start of 2013 and his ninth in 16 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Juan Pablo Montoya (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his ninth in 25 races this season.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-30-2013)

Qualifying Order for the AdvoCare 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #36-Yeley.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #13-Mears.
Fastest in Friday practice, #2-Keselowski, is scheduled to qualify 9th.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Atlanta Qualifying Page.(8-30-2013)

Friday practice for the Advocare 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over after 90 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#2-Keselowski 190.071
#99-Edwards 189.254
#42-Montoya 188.213
#78-Busch 188.047
#15-Bowyer 187.990
slowest: #7-Blaney 178.218 & #87-Nemechek 178.046.
notes: Qualifying is this evening at 6:40pm/et and will be shown on Fox Sports 1 at 7:00pm/et.
#36-Yeley got into the wall midway through the practice, scraping the right side of the car.
See fastest speeds, laps run, top-10 lap averages on the Atlanta Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(8-30-2013)

Earnhardt Ganassi to announce #42 driver Friday UPDATES - Kyle Larson: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has scheduled a press conference to announce the new driver of the #42 Target Chevy on Friday at 2:35pm/et at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(8-27-2013)UPDATE: With Sprint Cup Series practice set for 3:00pm/et Friday at Atlanta, it would be surprising if a current Sprint Cup driver would be participating in a news conference so close to the start of practice. That could be a sign that EGR will elevate Kyle Larson from the Nationwide Series to Cup. Larson, a 21-year-old Nationwide rookie and a standout in sprint cars, is on loan to Turner Scott Motorsports this year while under contract with EGR. In just his second year of stock-car racing, Larson is eighth in the Nationwide Series standings with six top-five finishes, including two at Bristol, two at Iowa, one at Michigan and one at Charlotte. He also won the truck race at Rockingham earlier this year. While the common belief in NASCAR circles is that Larson will be the new driver, team owner Chip Ganassi is known to be unconventional, as he was when he brought Montoya from Formula One to NASCAR.(Sporting News)(8-28-2013)UPDATE 2: Kyle Larson isn't staying put very long. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will move the 21-year-old upstart to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fulltime in 2014, multiple sources confirmed Tuesday. Reached by phone on Tuesday evening, a team spokesman declined comment. Larson and team members of the Ganassi organization were notified of the decision this week, sources said. Larson will replace Juan Pablo Montoya in the #42 Chevy.(Charlotte Observer)(8-28-2013)UPDATE 3: Kyle Larson is about to achieve his goal of becoming a driver in NASCAR's premier Sprint Cup Series. The 21-year-old racing prodigy from Elk Grove, Calif., will join Jamie McMurray next year on the two-car team of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, persons familiar with the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly said Wednesday. Larson is expected to step into the #42 Chevy and replace veteran Juan Pablo Montoya.(Los Angeles Times)(8-29-2013)UPDATE 4: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (EGR) announced that young racing sensation Kyle Larson, a 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series driver and the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion, will take over as the driver of the #42 Target Chevy SS beginning in 2014. The EGR development driver has turned heads in NASCAR competition for the last two seasons where this year he currently sits eighth in the NNS standings. In addition, in just two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) starts this season, the two-time SPEED Performer of the Year Award Nominee (2011 and 2012) has one win and a second-place finish.(Earnhardt Ganassi Racing)(8-30-2013)

Hamlin sprained hand in Bristol accident: #56-Martin Truex Jr. wasn't the only NASCAR driver to injure his hand during a multi-car crash at Bristol Motor Speedway last weekend. #11-Denny Hamlin told Sirius/XM's Dialed In show that he caught his right hand in the steering wheel and hurt it in the same wreck that broke Truex's wrist with 52 laps to go. Hamlin said he's currently wearing a splint on his thumb, which is black and blue, but expected the injury to heal within two weeks. "I couldn't get my finger out of the wheel quick enough before it spun, and it obviously took some ligaments with it," Hamlin said. "I feel this pain, and it's going to be tough. I tested on Monday and Tuesday at Chicago, and I couldn't put my thumb on the wheel." Joe Gibbs Racing spokesman Chris Helein says Hamlin's hand is "just sprained" and is unsure whether Hamlin will wear a splint during the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday night.(USA Today)(8-30-2013)

Newman talks about 2014; Kurt Busch joining SHR: #39-Ryan Newman said he found out about Stewart-Haas Racing's expansion to four teams like most people -- first rumors and non-sourced reports on the Internet that were ultimately confirmed by Tuesday's formal announcement. But Newman, who was informed last month his contract won't be renewed by SHR for 2014, said Thursday he was mostly amused at this week's turn of events, particularly at the way it was handled with the team internally. "It was humorous,'' Newman told NASCAR.com about the announcement. "To me it was more funny, than any kind of frustration from my end. In the end, it won't affect me. Obviously, it frees up a situation for 2014 but in the end it doesn't affect me.'' Newman said he wasn't privy to any discussion about the expansion beforehand. "If they didn't tell (Tony) Stewart why would they tell me,'' he joked. With Busch's impending move from the Furniture Row Racing's #78 Chevy to SHR and media reports pointing to Kyle Larson being named to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing's #42 Chevy on Friday, the 2014 driver lineups are taking shape. Newman said things are also coming together for his ride in 2014 and expects to announce his plans soon. "I don't know the when, how or what or where or anything else, but I feel confident (the announcement will take in next few weeks),'' he said.(NASCAR.com)(8-30-2013)

Bliss gets Atlanta sponsor: Reliable Heating and Air powered by Trane will be aboard the #19 of Mike Bliss for Saturday night's Great Clips / Grit Chips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The number one HVAC service in Atlanta will serve as the primary sponsor for the Nationwide Series veteran as he makes his eighth start at Atlanta. Local and family owned Reliable Heating and Air is located in Woodstock, Georgia.(TriStar Motorsports)(8-30-2013)

Line-X sponsoring Cassill at Atlanta: LINE-X, the country's leading vehicle bedliner company, will ride along with JD Motorsports with Gary Keller driver Landon Cassill for this weekend's Great Clips/Grit Chips 300 Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. LINE-X is celebrating the arrival of LINE-X Platinum, its newest product. Platinum uses pure polyuria technology for a combination of strength and flexibility to create a product of superior toughness a full 300 percent tougher than previous applications. Cassill's #4 Chevy is being sponsored by LINE-X of Lanier, Alpharetta and Atlanta.(JD Motorsports)(8-30-2013)

REMAX of Georgia sponsoring Butler: Ken Butler III (KB3) and SR˛ Motorsports announced RE/MAX of Georgia as the primary sponsor of Butler's #24 Toyota Camry in Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Race Great Clips/Grit 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Georgia is not only the home for KB3 it is also home for the owner of SR˛ Motorsports, Jason Sciavicco. Under the lights, at Atlanta Motor Speedway, KB3 is ready to start his engine and take the red, white, and blue REMAX of Georgia #24 car to turn some fast laps on the 1.54-mile quad-oval.(SR˛ Motorsports PR)(8-30-2013)

Skeen fastest in second practice in Canada: #6-Mike Skeen was fastest during the second practice / test session on the road course at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Friday. He ran a fast lap at 108.686 mph. #77-German Quiroga was second quick, followed by: #29-Ryan Blaney, #32-Miguel Paludo, #3-Ty Dillon, #94-Chase Elliott, #18-Joey Coulter, #14-Max Papis, #31-James Buescher, and #-98-Johnny Sauter. 28 of the 30 entered trucks clocked at least one lap through the session. See complete results on the Canada practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-30-2013)

Skeen fastest in first practice in Canada: #6-Mike Skeen was fastest during the opening practice / test session on the road course at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Friday. He ran a fast lap at 106.919 mph. #77-German Quiroga was second quick, followed by: #14-Max Papis, #32-Miguel Paludo, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #29-Ryan Blaney, #94-Chase Elliott, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #19-Ross Chastain, and #51-Chad Hackenbracht. 24 of the 30 entered trucks clocked at least one lap through the session. See complete results on the Canada practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-30-2013)

Nik and Lijana Wallenda to skywalk before Bank of America 500 World-famous daredevils Nik Wallenda and his sister, Lijana, will perform a spectacular, death-defying dual skywalk 140 feet above pit road during the pre-race show for the Oct. 12 Bank of America 500. Nik Wallenda made history earlier this year by successfully walking a wire 1,400 feet across a gorge near the Grand Canyon, live before 21 million viewers on the Discovery Channel. In 2012, Wallenda completed a walk across Niagara Falls from the U.S. into Canada, becoming the first person to do so, and also captivated race fans with a walk from the frontstretch grandstands to Victory Lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Prior to the only Saturday night race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Nik and Lijana will start at opposite ends of a 460-foot, 5/8-inch wire lifted by two cranes 140 feet above pit road in front of the frontstretch grandstands. They will each walk toward the center and when they meet, Nik will have to cross over Lijana so they both can continue toward the opposite ends of the wire.(CMS)(8-30-2013)

News from August 29, 2013

Allmendinger gets ride with JTG Daugherty UPDATE: AJ Allmendinger has an offer to drive the #47 JTG Daugherty NASCAR Sprint Cup car in 2014. Team owner Tad Geschickter confirmed to FOXSports.com a full-time deal had been offered to Allmendinger. The driver confirmed JTGD's proposal late Wednesday night. Allmendinger, 31, has competed in NASCAR, IndyCar and Grand-Am this season. With his experience in a variety of different series and manufacturers, JTGD brought Allmendinger in for the Michigan June race to provide a second opinion on what areas the needed improvement with the car mechanical, aerodynamic or engine. At that time, the team's current driver Bobby Labonte was 27th in the standings.(Fox Sports)(8-29-2013)UPDATE: AJ Allmendinger has agreed to a full-time deal to drive the #47 JTG Daugherty NASCAR Sprint Cup car in 2014. Sources say the team has scheduled a news conference for Saturday. Although team owner Tad Geschickter has offered Labonte a position within the company, the 49-year-old former Cup champion told FOXSports.com on Aug. 24 that he had not made a decision regarding his 2014 plans (FoxSports).AND AJ Allmendinger will become the full-time driver of the #47 Sprint Cup car for JTG Daugherty Racing in 2014, sources told ESPN.com on Thursday. Allmendinger has accepted a three-year deal to replace Bobby Labonte, who has been in the car since 2011. A formal announcement is expected Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where Allmendinger will drive the #47 in Sunday's Cup race.(ESPN)(8-29-2013)

Bobby Labonte suffers broken ribs UPDATE: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Bobby Labonte is currently being treated at a local hospital near his home in Trinity, North Carolina after being involved in an accident while riding his bicycle near his home on the morning of Wednesday, August 28. Labonte was transported to the hospital by ambulance where he was diagnosed and is being treated for three broken ribs. There are no other injuries. He is being held overnight for observation. An update on Labonte's condition will be sent when determined. Mike Bliss will replace Labonte in the #51 Phoenix Racing entry this weekend in Atlanta.(Breaking Limits)(8-28-2013)UPDATE: Bobby Labonte has been treated and released from a local hospital near his home in Trinity, North Carolina. Labonte was involved in an accident while riding his bicycle near his home on the morning of Wednesday, August 28 and received three broken ribs. He was held overnight for observation. There were no other injuries.(Breaking Limits)(8-29-2013)

Earnhardt Ganassi to announce #42 driver Friday UPDATES: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has scheduled a press conference to announce the new driver of the #42 Target Chevy on Friday at 2:35pm/et at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(8-27-2013)UPDATE: With Sprint Cup Series practice set for 3:00pm/et Friday at Atlanta, it would be surprising if a current Sprint Cup driver would be participating in a news conference so close to the start of practice. That could be a sign that EGR will elevate Kyle Larson from the Nationwide Series to Cup. Larson, a 21-year-old Nationwide rookie and a standout in sprint cars, is on loan to Turner Scott Motorsports this year while under contract with EGR. In just his second year of stock-car racing, Larson is eighth in the Nationwide Series standings with six top-five finishes, including two at Bristol, two at Iowa, one at Michigan and one at Charlotte. He also won the truck race at Rockingham earlier this year. While the common belief in NASCAR circles is that Larson will be the new driver, team owner Chip Ganassi is known to be unconventional, as he was when he brought Montoya from Formula One to NASCAR.(Sporting News)(8-28-2013)UPDATE 2: Kyle Larson isn't staying put very long. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will move the 21-year-old upstart to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fulltime in 2014, multiple sources confirmed Tuesday. Reached by phone on Tuesday evening, a team spokesman declined comment. Larson and team members of the Ganassi organization were notified of the decision this week, sources said. Larson will replace Juan Pablo Montoya in the #42 Chevy.(Charlotte Observer)(8-28-2013)UPDATE: Kyle Larson is about to achieve his goal of becoming a driver in NASCAR's premier Sprint Cup Series. The 21-year-old racing prodigy from Elk Grove, Calif., will join Jamie McMurray next year on the two-car team of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, persons familiar with the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly said Wednesday. Larson is expected to step into the #42 Chevy and replace veteran Juan Pablo Montoya.(Los Angeles Times)(8-29-2013)

Drive to End Hunger motorhome catches fire: Authorities say a bus-type motorhome with NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon's car on the side burned along a north Georgia interstate on Wednesday. It happened in the southbound lanes of Interstate 85 in Jackson County near mile marker 130. Firefighters shut down both southbound lanes while they extinguished the fire. They say no one was hurt, and the fire did not spread to a car hauler trailer which was being pulled by the bus.(Fox Atlanta), the vehicle was a marketing trailer used by Drive to End Hunger.(8-29-2013)

Allmendinger offered ride with JTG Daugherty: AJ Allmendinger has an offer to drive the #47 JTG Daugherty NASCAR Sprint Cup car in 2014. Team owner Tad Geschickter confirmed to FOXSports.com a full-time deal had been offered to Allmendinger. The driver confirmed JTGD's proposal late Wednesday night. Allmendinger, 31, has competed in NASCAR, IndyCar and Grand-Am this season. With his experience in a variety of different series and manufacturers, JTGD brought Allmendinger in for the Michigan June race to provide a second opinion on what areas the needed improvement with the car mechanical, aerodynamic or engine. At that time, the team's current driver Bobby Labonte was 27th in the standings. Although Geschickter has offered Labonte a position within the company, the 49-year-old former Cup champion told FOXSports.com on Aug. 24 that he had not made a decision regarding his 2014 plans.(Fox Sports)(8-29-2013)

Clinch Scenarios For Atlanta: Two races remain in the regular season - yet only three drivers know with absolute certainty that they're competing for a championship over the final 10 races. #48-Jimmie Johnson and #15-Clint Bowyer have each clinched a top-10 spot in the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, and #20-Matt Kenseth locked up at least a Wild Card spot with his fifth win of the season, at Bristol. He'll likely clinch a top-10 berth either this weekend or next weekend at Richmond. After Atlanta, count on many more joining Johnson, Bowyer and Kenseth. Three drivers control their own destiny, and four more could clinch at least a wild card. Below are the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup clinch scenarios for this weekend's race at Atlanta. The magic number for this weekend is 49 - any driver 49 points ahead of 11th will clinch a top 10 spot. (That number could drop to 48 depending on if the driver in question owns the tie breaker.) Regardless of how any other driver finishes, the following will clinch at top-10 berth by accomplishing the below...
#99-Carl Edwards: 38th-place finish or better (39th with lap led, 40th with most laps led)
#29-Kevin Harvick: 31st-place finish or better (32nd with lap led, 33rd with most laps led)
#18-Kyle Busch: 10th-place finish or better (11th with lap led, 12th with most laps led)
#20-Matt Kenseth: 7th-place finish or better (8th with lap led, 9th with most laps led)
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (33 points cushion over 11th), #5-Kasey Kahne (20 points cushion), #16-Greg Biffle (17 points cushion) and #22-Joey Logano (4 point cushion) all conceivably could reach the 49-point magic number.)
#56-Martin Truex Jr., Logano and Biffle - all of whom have one win this season can clinch at least a Wild Card spot with a win and some help. #5-Kasey Kahne, with two wins, would clinch with a third win if two out of the following three drivers clinch a T10 spot: Kyle Busch, Kenseth and Harvick. If all three clinch a top 10, Kahne clinches if anyone other than Biffle, Logano, Truex or Newman wins.(NASCAR)(8-29-2013)

Kurt Busch still interested in Indy 500: Greg Zipadelli, crew chief both times Tony Stewart ran the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, is no fan of the grueling doubleheader. It's a position he made clear last October to Danica Patrick as she was trying to put together an Indy 500 deal that would interfere with her first full season of Sprint Cup racing. Now Zipadelli has a new problem on his hands: Kurt Busch, the newest addition at Stewart-Haas Racing, said he's still trying to put together a deal to run next year's Indianapolis 500 with Andretti Autosport. "It's something that's still on the table," Busch said Tuesday when he was introduced at SHR. "There's certain timelines that I've agreed to with Michael Andretti if we're still going to do the deal. We're working on things." Busch is also trying to put something together to run the IndyCar season finale at Fontana, and said Stewart, his new boss at SHR, wants to go to the race with him if he does. It was enough to make Zipadelli, the competition director at SHR, wince several times.(Associated Press)(8-29-2013)

Harry Scott, Jr. Reaches Agreement with Phoenix Racing - MORE: Harry Scott, Jr. has come to a definitive agreement with James Finch to purchase Phoenix Racing. Scott will formally take over control of the team as its owner on September 10, 2013 with Justin Allgaier behind the wheel of the #51 Chevy in time for the GEICO 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. "This is a very proud day for me as I will have the opportunity to compete against the best teams in motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as the owner of Phoenix Racing," said Scott. "I am going to build a championship contender with hard work, the right people and the right partners. This team has a great foundation thanks to the efforts of James Finch. There is a lot to build upon and I am looking forward to getting started." Scott's role as a co-owner in Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) is unchanged and he will continue to take an active role in that team on and off the track. "I owe a lot of gratitude to Steve Turner for bringing me into the sport as an owner. My experience at TSM will continue to serve me well in this next step," said Scott. Driver Justin Allgaier is making the move with Scott from TSM to Phoenix Racing and will be the team's driver in the #51 Chevy for its debut at Chicagoland Speedway on September 15 and two additional races this year. Allgaier, who is currently 5th in points in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS), will continue his pursuit of a championship in that series for TSM. Scott has signed a deal with BRANDT to be the primary sponsor of the #51 for three NSCS races this season. BRANDT, which also sponsors Allgaier in the NNS for Turner Scott Motorsports, will be the primary sponsor of the #51 at Chicagoland, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Allgaier will be the driver for each of those races. Scott has committed to keeping the Phoenix Racing team intact for the remainder of the season. Allgaier's crew chief will be Nick Harrison. Harrison is a third year crew chief and has worked with several drivers including Kurt Busch, Landon Cassill and A.J. Allmendinger. Phoenix Racing's general manager, Steve Barkdoll, will continue in his role after Scott takes over. The team will continue its relationships and alliances with Chevy, Hendrick Motorsports and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.
Scott is working with NASCAR for final approval.(Tuckahoe Strategies)(8-28-2013)UPDATE: Justin Allgaier, currently fifth in NASCAR Nationwide Series standings, will ... drive the #51 at [Chicago], Charlotte and Talladega. Scott said he has a driver in mind for the other seven races remaining in the 2013, adding the team would make another announcement on that front in the coming weeks. Phoenix Racing will remain a single entity and not be merged with Turner Scott, which Scott owns along with Steve Turner, and fields cars on three other NASCAR circuits. Scott believes all that's keeping the #51 car from being more consistently competitive is sponsorship -- and he says the team now has enough to finish out the 2013 season, as well as some already in place for the next two years. "In my opinion, they've been on the cusp. They've been competitive at times, so they've shown the ability to be competitive. Really what they've lacked is sponsorship, and we've got some. We've been fortunate to team up with some good partners, and that, I think, is going to give us what those guys have needed as far as a little more resources to kind of get them over the hump, to kind of take them to the next level," Scott said. "That gives us the ability to plan and invest and know that we've got these two years to kind of prove ourselves and attract even more sponsorship. And potentially in '16, maybe we'll have two cars. It's going to give us what we need in order to succeed, in order to be confident you're making a good investment. We will have time to pay our dues." The only sponsor announced thus far for the #51 car is Brandt, the agricultural products company that backs Allgaier's Nationwide car, which will appear on the vehicle for the three Sprint Cup events for which he's behind the wheel. Scott said the rest would be filled out by a variety of backers, although one company will serve as the team's primary sponsorship source, and there is inventory remaining on the vehicle going forward.(NASCAR.com)(8-29-2013)

Aspen Dental returns to Newman's #39: This weekend's race will mark the second of the 2013 season that Aspen Dental will serve as primary sponsor for #39-Ryan Newman. The network of full-service dental practices providing quality, affordable dental care in 25 states adorned Newman's #39 Chevy at the All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. This weekend, the car will feature the names of the dentists who own and operate Aspen Dental practices across the country in celebration of their commitment to their patients and the communities they serve. Also along for the ride this weekend is Judy Berryhill, a patient of the Aspen Dental office in Clarksville, Tenn. Continuing a program that started in 2012, Aspen Dental selects a patient to have his or her photo featured on the #39 Chevy based on comments provided regarding his or her dental treatment on the Aspen Dental Facebook page.(Stewart Haas Racing), see an image of the car on the #39 team paint schemes page.(8-29-2013)

Sport Clips on the #11 at Atlanta: For the second and final time this season, Sport Clips will adorn the #11 Toyota Camry piloted by Denny Hamlin in the Sprint Cup Series for the Advocare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Last season, with Sport Clips on board, Hamlin secured the seventh starting position for the Advocare 500, led a total of 105 laps and earned his first-career win at the 1.54-mile Atlanta based track.(Joe Gibbs Racing), see an image of the car on the #11 team paint schemes page.(8-29-2013)

Atlanta Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will be running the same combination of left- and right-side tires at Atlanta this weekend . . . this is the same left--side tire code (D-4384) that these teams have run the last two seasons at this track . . . this new right-side tire code (D-4602) is making its debut at Atlanta and incorporates Goodyear Racing's new zone tread technology . . . the tire combines the compound that has recently been run at Kansas and Michigan on the inside three inches of the tread, with the compound run at Atlanta for the last seasons across the rest of the tread . . . the concept will give teams endurance and heat resistance on the inside third of the tire and traction on the outside two-thirds . . . while Goodyear has used the multi-zone concept on passenger tires before, this is its first application in NASCAR . . . this tire was confirmed at a Goodyear test with 13 drivers at Atlanta on August 6 . . . drivers participating in that test were Aric Almirola, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Paul Menard, David Ragan, David Reutimann, Martin Truex Jr. and J.J. Yeley . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run liners in all four tire positions at Atlanta. . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire. (Goodyear), see full notes, tire codes, tire pressures on the Atlanta Race Info - Goodyear section.(8-29-2013)

Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post chassis info, some do not] and what chassis were selected by the team to run at Atlanta Motor Speedway on the Atlanta Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

Defiant Whisky announces partnership with MAKE Motorsports: Defiant American Single Malt Whisky announces it will sponsor MAKE Motorsports at the Great Clips/ Grit Chips 300. The race will take place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway this Saturday, August 31. Danny Efland of Irmo, SC. is the driver of the soon-to-debut #50 Defiant Whisky Chevy that will prominently sport a Defiant logo, bottle and associated graphics on the hood, rear-quarter panels and back bumper. This weekend's partnership kicks off a multi-year collaboration with the Shelby, NC-based motorsports company in an effort to heighten industry and public awareness of the Defiant Whisky brand, as well as expand its distribution.(MAKE Motorsports)(8-29-2013)

Quiroga going the distance: If taking on a full-time Camping World Truck Series schedule and running for Rookie of the Year title wasn't enough, three-time Mexico Series Champion, Germán Quiroga has decided to take on an additional endeavor. The NASCAR driver has accepted a challenge from Red Horse Racing sponsor, OtterBox, and will compete in the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on Sunday, November 17.
Quiroga will have a weekend full of racing and will log many miles not just on land but in the air as well. He will compete behind the wheel of his #77 NET10 Wireless Toyota Tundra in the last race of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, November 15 then fly to Las Vegas Saturday morning to prepare for the 26.2 miles he will run the following day. On Monday, the driver will return to Miami for the Camping World Truck Series banquet.
Looking at the task ahead, the Mexico City native will have to work through some potential hurdles. A CrossFit regular, he never chose running as part of his workout routine. Before training, his longest running distance was seven miles. Perhaps another challenge, Quiroga will face a shortened training program. A typical training program for a marathon for a rookie runner is anywhere between 18 - 20 weeks. The driver will compete with only 14 weeks of training.(Red Horse Racing PR)(8-29-2013)

EnjoyIllinois.com title sponsor of Chicagoland Truck race: Chicagoland Speedway today announced the Illinois Office of Tourism as the title sponsor of its Camping World Truck Series Race this September. The EnjoyIllinois.com 225 will run under the lights on Friday, September 13. Illinois hosted more than 99 million domestic visitors in 2012, a 6.1 percent increase over the record 93.3 million U.S. residents who visited Illinois in 2011. It marked the second year in a row that Illinois' visitor numbers broke records and outpaced the national average of 5.4 percent. The EnjoyIlinois.com 225 falls on the same day as NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Qualifying for the GEICO 400 and will also mark Family Fun Night at the track, with post-race fireworks. Advance Tickets for the EnjoyIllinois.com 225 start at just $25 and kids 12 and under are free in certain sections.(Chicagoland Speedway PR)(8-29-2013)

News from August 28, 2013

Bobby Labonte suffers broken ribs: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Bobby Labonte is currently being treated at a local hospital near his home in Trinity, North Carolina after being involved in an accident while riding his bicycle near his home on the morning of Wednesday, August 28. Labonte was transported to the hospital by ambulance where he was diagnosed and is being treated for three broken ribs. There are no other injuries. He is being held overnight for observation. An update on Labonte's condition will be sent when determined. Mike Bliss will replace Labonte in the #51 Phoenix Racing entry this weekend in Atlanta.(Breaking Limits)(8-28-2013)

Bristol Race and Commercial Breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Saturday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 7:32 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 10:53 PM (all times are EST). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. ABC was the broadcast team for this event.
Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 112
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 54
Number of times ABC utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 18
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 2 min. 45 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 7:32 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 10:53 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 201
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 51
Number of missed restarts: 2
Number of 'mystery cautions' (cause not shown): 3
Total race brdcst time 201 Total comm. brdcst time 51
See past races, links, more info on the 2013 TV Commercials page.(8-28-2013)

Earnhardt Ganassi to announce #42 driver Friday UPDATES: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has scheduled a press conference to announce the new driver of the #42 Target Chevy on Friday at 2:35pm/et at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(8-27-2013)UPDATE: With Sprint Cup Series practice set for 3:00pm/et Friday at Atlanta, it would be surprising if a current Sprint Cup driver would be participating in a news conference so close to the start of practice. That could be a sign that EGR will elevate Kyle Larson from the Nationwide Series to Cup. Larson, a 21-year-old Nationwide rookie and a standout in sprint cars, is on loan to Turner Scott Motorsports this year while under contract with EGR. In just his second year of stock-car racing, Larson is eighth in the Nationwide Series standings with six top-five finishes, including two at Bristol, two at Iowa, one at Michigan and one at Charlotte. He also won the truck race at Rockingham earlier this year. While the common belief in NASCAR circles is that Larson will be the new driver, team owner Chip Ganassi is known to be unconventional, as he was when he brought Montoya from Formula One to NASCAR.(Sporting News)(8-28-2013)UPDATE 2: Kyle Larson isn't staying put very long. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will move the 21-year-old upstart to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fulltime in 2014, multiple sources confirmed Tuesday. Reached by phone on Tuesday evening, a team spokesman declined comment. Larson and team members of the Ganassi organization were notified of the decision this week, sources said. Larson will replace Juan Pablo Montoya in the #42 Chevy.(Charlotte Observer)(8-28-2013)

Harry Scott, Jr. Reaches Agreement with Phoenix Racing: Harry Scott, Jr. has come to a definitive agreement with James Finch to purchase Phoenix Racing. Scott will formally take over control of the team as its owner on September 10, 2013 with Justin Allgaier behind the wheel of the #51 Chevy in time for the GEICO 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. "This is a very proud day for me as I will have the opportunity to compete against the best teams in motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as the owner of Phoenix Racing," said Scott. "I am going to build a championship contender with hard work, the right people and the right partners. This team has a great foundation thanks to the efforts of James Finch. There is a lot to build upon and I am looking forward to getting started." Scott's role as a co-owner in Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) is unchanged and he will continue to take an active role in that team on and off the track. "I owe a lot of gratitude to Steve Turner for bringing me into the sport as an owner. My experience at TSM will continue to serve me well in this next step," said Scott. Driver Justin Allgaier is making the move with Scott from TSM to Phoenix Racing and will be the team's driver in the #51 Chevy for its debut at Chicagoland Speedway on September 15 and two additional races this year. Allgaier, who is currently 5th in points in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS), will continue his pursuit of a championship in that series for TSM. Scott has signed a deal with BRANDT to be the primary sponsor of the #51 for three NSCS races this season. BRANDT, which also sponsors Allgaier in the NNS for Turner Scott Motorsports, will be the primary sponsor of the #51 at Chicagoland, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Allgaier will be the driver for each of those races. Scott has committed to keeping the Phoenix Racing team intact for the remainder of the season. Allgaier's crew chief will be Nick Harrison. Harrison is a third year crew chief and has worked with several drivers including Kurt Busch, Landon Cassill and A.J. Allmendinger. Phoenix Racing's general manager, Steve Barkdoll, will continue in his role after Scott takes over. The team will continue its relationships and alliances with Chevy, Hendrick Motorsports and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.
Scott is working with NASCAR for final approval.(Tuckahoe Strategies)(8-28-2013)

ESPN, TNT could exit NASCAR early UPDATE: ESPN and Turner Sports are talking with NASCAR about getting out of their broadcast rights agreement a year early, a move that could allow Fox Sports and NBC Sports Group to become the sport's broadcasters next year. It's unlikely that the four TV companies will be able to reach a deal, sources say. But the fact that these types of talks are occurring is precedent-setting in an industry where live sports rights are held sacred. For at least the past decade, no rights holder has exited a major media agreement with a property early. ESPN and Turner executives told the series that they are interested in forgoing the final year of their contract. Fox and NBC executives told NASCAR that they are interested in picking up those rights. And sources say NASCAR executives are open to the switch. But any deal faces significant hurdles. Sources said it would have to be a complete switch, not a partial one in which Turner exits its six Sprint Cup races or ESPN exits part of its Nationwide Series season. That means it would require an agreement between four competitors ESPN, Turner, Fox and NBC and one property, which would be difficult to structure. ESPN and Turner Sports are willing to sell their rights back to NASCAR for some sort of compensation. Fox Sports and NBC Sports Group are willing to buy the rights from NASCAR, but they feel they should be compensated for letting ESPN and Turner Sports out of their deals early. As the middleman, NASCAR would have to navigate those opposing interests. Representatives from the four media companies, as well as NASCAR, declined comment. ESPN and Turner Sports have told NASCAR they are prepared to carry the races next year, but both would prefer avoiding that lame-duck status. Both opted not to submit final bids to retain NASCAR rights when the sport held TV negotiations last month, and they see upside in exiting their deals a year early.(full story at the Sports Business Daily)(8-26-2013)UPDATE: Statement From NASCAR Vice President Of Broadcasting And Production Steve Herbst On 2014 Broadcast Partners: "Despite recent reports to the contrary, nothing substantive has been presented to NASCAR regarding broadcast partners' plans to alter our TV agreement in 2014. We're very happy with our current broadcast partners and fully expect and are excited to be back with FOX, Turner and ESPN next year. These types of discussions happen regularly across the sports television landscape, very rarely resulting in changes to a media rights agreement."(NASCAR)(8-28-2013)

Gene Haas responsible for deal with Kurt Busch: Gene Haas wanted to build a dream team, with an opportunity to see his name in Victory Lane. He wasn't going to let Tony Stewart stand in his way of making that happen. Haas admitted Tuesday he went rogue in courting Kurt Busch for a non-existent fourth team at Stewart-Haas Racing while Stewart was incapacitated with a broken leg earlier this month. When he finally brought his business partner up to speed on his expansion plans, Stewart balked. But Haas forged ahead anyway with a multi-year offer to Busch, who was introduced Tuesday as the newest driver at SHR, where officials are now scrambling to make room at an organization that will double from two cars in 2012 to four next season. "I don't think Tony was exactly enthralled with what I did," Haas said. "But I think he saw it my way, you know? Either that or get out of the building." Haas was laughing during two different recollections Tuesday of how he sidestepped Stewart during the lightning-fast courtship of Busch, which apparently began at a General Motors dinner in Indianapolis before the Brickyard in late July and ended last weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway with Busch accepting Haas' offer. "Tony was very much in favor of the fourth team," [SHR competition director Greg] Zipadelli said. "What Tony was against was us trying to get it done for next year, just so you don't read anything more into it. Tony was in the hospital. Tony didn't know the discussions that were going on. When we all met and talked about it and assured him we would do our best to make sure things didn't slip through the cracks, it took him a couple days to process it.(Associated Press / ESPN)(8-28-2013)

Earnhardt Ganassi to announce #42 driver Friday UPDATE: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has scheduled a press conference to announce the new driver of the #42 Target Chevy on Friday at 2:35pm/et at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(8-27-2013)UPDATE: With Sprint Cup Series practice set for 3:00pm/et Friday at Atlanta, it would be surprising if a current Sprint Cup driver would be participating in a news conference so close to the start of practice. That could be a sign that EGR will elevate Kyle Larson from the Nationwide Series to Cup. Larson, a 21-year-old Nationwide rookie and a standout in sprint cars, is on loan to Turner Scott Motorsports this year while under contract with EGR. In just his second year of stock-car racing, Larson is eighth in the Nationwide Series standings with six top-five finishes, including two at Bristol, two at Iowa, one at Michigan and one at Charlotte. He also won the truck race at Rockingham earlier this year. While the common belief in NASCAR circles is that Larson will be the new driver, team owner Chip Ganassi is known to be unconventional, as he was when he brought Montoya from Formula One to NASCAR.(Sporting News)(8-28-2013)

Georgia Peanut Commission to sponsor Ragan at Atlanta - special scheme:The Georgia Peanut Commission will be sponsoring Georgia-native #34-David Ragan in the Sprint Cup NASCAR race scheduled for Sept. 1 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Prior to the race, representatives from GPC will be promoting peanuts and peanut nutrition at David Ragan's annual fan club party Aug. 29 in Perry, GA. Joe Boddiford, GPC vice chairman and chairman of the GPC promotions committee, is excited about the race and the opportunity to support one of Georgia's own, as well as Georgia's official state crop. "David Ragan is a Georgia boy and Georgia is the No. 1 peanut-growing state in the nation," Boddiford said. "The Georgia Peanut Commission is very excited to have this opportunity to help sponsor him in the Atlanta race this fall and we're certainly hoping he'll win." Boddiford is looking forward to the race and the exposure it will bring for Georgia's agricultural industry, particularly peanuts. The Georgia Peanut Commission represents 3,500 peanut farmers in the state of Georgia and conducts programs in areas of research, education and promotion.(Tifton Gazette)(8-23-2013)UPDATE: After finishing 12th at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night, David Ragan feels he's just getting warmed up. Things are about to get even hotter as the #34 team heads to sizzling Atlanta Motor Speedway with Peanut Patch Hot Boiled Peanuts on its Ford Fusion. The Cajun-spiced snack brings an entirely new paint scheme to the #34 Ford - a fiery orange and yellow design that also features associate sponsor RaceTrac.(Front Row Motorsports), see an image of the car on the #34 team paint schemes page.(8-28-2013)

United Mining Equipment adds two races to Yeley sponsorship: United Mining Equipment has added two additional races to their schedule aboard the #36 Chevy with Tommy Baldwin Racing and driver JJ Yeley. The first added race is this coming weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway's Advocare 500. The second race will be the upcoming Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "We are glad to have UME back on the car again this weekend, and joining us for two additional races this year," said team owner Tommy Baldwin. "We have a great relationship with UME and hope to continue growing with their company and furthering their involvement in the NASCAR industry."(140 Buzz/TBR)(8-28-2013)

Rest of Red Bull Racing assets up for auction: Gavel Auction is scheduled to hold an auction on Saturday, August 31st of the remaining assets of the Red Bull Racing Sprint Cup Team. For more info and to see image of the items, go to www.gavelauction.com or call (704) 489-2201, Fax at (704) 489-2208.(8-28-2013)

Sad News - Jean Peters Joy: Jean Peters Joy passed away Monday, August 26, 2013 at home in Athol, Mass, age 89. She was predeceased in 2006 by her husband, M. Verne Joy. Her life is celebrated by her four children, Michael K Joy [Mike Joy of Fox Sports] and his wife Gaye of Mooresville, NC; David S Joy and his wife Barbara of So. Windsor, Conn; Susan J (Joy) and her husband Bruce Winters of Athol; Caroline A (Joy) and her husband Rev. Bob McKenney of New Boston, NH; by 11 grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Jean Hull Peters was born to Horace Ambrose Peters and Erma Fahrson Peters in Columbus, OH, July 17, 1924. She was raised by her mother and aunts Teada and Edna in Los Angeles with her older brothers Richard and Horace Jr. Jean graduated Hollywood High School in 1942, and worked in personnel at Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank where she met design engineer Verne Joy. They married Apr. 29, 1945, and lived in Los Angeles, Baltimore and Chicago before settling in Windsor, Conn. in 1952. They moved to West Hartford, CT in 1964. She enjoyed retirement living Phoenix and Daytona Beach before moving back to New England in 2005. She most enjoyed the latest exploits of her children and grandkids, and took great pride in instilling a high level of fairness, creativity and curiosity in each of them. Services will be private. To celebrate Jean's love of reading, memorials to the Athol Public Library Building Fund, 568 Main St, Athol, MA 01331, are welcomed.(8-28-2013)

Takagi returns to the #44 with Whitt: Coming off of a top-15 finish at Bristol Motor Speedway, Cole Whitt will be back behind the wheel of the #44 Takagi Tankless Water Heaters Toyota for this weekend's Great Clips / Grit Chips 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Takagi Tankless Water Heaters will be on the #44 Camry for the third time this season. In their first two outings, Whitt scored a 15th place finish at Michigan and a 17th place finish at Indianapolis.(TriStar Motorsports)(8-28-2013)

Everclear playing Pre-Race Concert at Kansas: It definitely won't be a Slow Motion Daydream when rock band Everclear performs a Kansas National Guard pre-race concert for the Hollywood Casino 400 on Oct. 6. The band's eighth studio album, Invisible Stars, was released in June 2012. "In some ways, this album's a lot more aggressive than anything we've done in a long time," Art Alexakis says of Invisible Stars, Everclear's first collection of new songs in six years as well as the band's first eOne release. "But in other ways, it's a lot more melodic. I like having both of those sides covered." The new 12 song set embodies the same qualities that have long endeared Everclear to its large and worldwide fan base. Such tunes as "Be Careful What You Ask For," "Volcano," "Falling In A Good Way," and "Tiger In A Burning Tree" maintain the same musical and emotional resonance that first struck a responsive chord with listeners in the early 1990s.(Kansas Speedway)(8-28-2013)

News from August 27, 2013

Bristol TV Ratings: With an average of 6.3 million people watching, ABC's live telecast of the Irwin Tools Night Race for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night, Aug. 24, was the most-viewed version of the race since ESPN and ABC returned to live NASCAR coverage in 2007. The viewership average of 6,322,082 was up from the average of 5,905,051 from last year's race, according to the Nielsen Company. The telecast earned a 3.9 U.S. household rating, up from a 3.7 for last year's race, despite the race not airing on ABC in seven markets due to ABC affiliates airing NFL pre-season football games. With a 9.4 rating, Greenville, S.C., was the nation's highest-rated market, followed by Knoxville, Tenn., and Greensboro, N.C., at 8.9. Charlotte, N.C., was fourth with an 8.7 rating with Richmond, Va., fifth at 8.2. Rounding out the top 10 were Norfolk, Va., 7.3; Indianapolis and Birmingham, Ala., at 6.3; Raleigh-Durham, N.C., at 6.2 and Orlando, Fla., at 6.1. ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Bristol on Friday night, Aug. 23, earned a 1.1 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,686,962 viewers. The rating was the same as last year's race but viewership was up from 1,599,526 in 2012.(ESPN) See past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(8-27-2013)

Truex, Jr. has broken wrist; will drive at Atlanta: An MRI on Monday confirmed a scaphoid fracture and sprain of #56-Martin Truex Jr.'s right wrist suffered in Saturday night's accident at Bristol Motor Speedway. Doctors fitted Truex with a special cast Tuesday he'll wear indefinitely. The cast enables him to better grip the steering wheel and compete in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway as well as the 11 remaining races. Truex worked closely with NASCAR this week and has been cleared to race. A multi-car crash collected Truex on lap 448 Saturday sending the NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota into the outside wall. Truex was treated in the medical center Saturday. MWR has yet to determine if a stand-by driver is needed for this weekend. Truex is 14th in the points and holds the first of two wildcard entries as he seeks his second consecutive berth in NASCAR's Chase the for Sprint Cup.(MWR)(8-27-2013)

Haas would sponsor Kurt Busch UPDATE Done Deal: Kurt Busch will be sponsored by Haas Automation if he signs with Stewart-Haas Racing for the 2014 season. Gene Haas, who co-owns SHR with Tony Stewart, told ESPN.com on Saturday he wants the 2004 Sprint Cup champion in one of his cars because he wants to take his non-racing company's name to Victory Lane. "I'd be happy to have a driver like that on our team," Haas said before the Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway. "You'd win a lot of races. I'd really be happy for my company Haas to be in the winner's circle. I've never been there. I want to be there with that name. I know Kurt has had a lot of sponsorship issues, but to me, I just want to win. I'm not too much worried about that stuff." Haas and the Furniture Row Racing driver began talking about the possibility of him coming to SHR last month during a General Motors dinner in Indianapolis. Not long after that, SHR offered Busch a contract to expand the organization to four teams with Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Danica Patrick. Busch has offers from several other teams, including one from Furniture Row that was given to his attorneys on Friday. Busch has yet to look over the FRR deal and likely won't until Monday. Haas said nothing has been signed as far as he knows, but he is optimistic Busch will come to SHR.(ESPN)(8-25-2013)UPDATE: Kurt Busch has signed a multiyear contract to drive for Stewart-Haas Racing beginning with the 2014 season, Busch told ESPN on Monday morning. "I'm going to Stewart-Haas," Busch said. "I've signed my deal." The SHR organization has said it will hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon "to announce the future expansion of Stewart-Haas Racing." Busch received the offer to drive for Stewart-Haas a week ago and received a subsequent offer from his current team, Furniture Row Racing, last week. He will be the fourth driver in the SHR stable, joining team owner #14-Tony Stewart, #4-Kevin Harvick and #10-Danica Patrick. Busch said Monday that he appreciates greatly the opportunity afforded him at FRR. Asked whether he can maintain focus and help get the #78 team into the Chase, he said, "Come Wednesday, that's all I'm going to think about."(ESPN)AND An official announcement with team co-owner Gene Haas - the man behind the decision - is set for 2:00 pm/et Tuesday at SHR headquarters in Kannapolis, NC. Sources say SHR is attempting to obtain the #00 for Busch to use beginning next season in the Sprint Cup Series.(Charlotte Observer)(8-26-2013)UPDATE 2: Stewart-Haas Racing will expand to four cars in 2014. Kurt Busch, the 2004 Sprint Cup champion and owner of 24 Sprint Cup victories, will drive the Haas Automation Chevy fulltime alongside Stewart in the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevy, Danica Patrick in the #10 GoDaddy Chevy and Kevin Harvick in the #4 Budweiser Chevy beginning in 2014. It's a lineup that features four Sprint Cup championships, 36 poles and 93 wins.
"Stewart-Haas Racing has proven itself to be a very competitive race team. Every team wants to win, but the preparation and resources Gene Haas and Tony Stewart and everyone at SHR put into their racecars each and every week is incredible," Busch said. "This is the kind of situation every driver wants to be in, and I'm grateful to Gene Haas and Haas Automation for providing me this opportunity. I didn't think anyone wanted to win as much as me until I met Gene Haas."
"Kurt Busch is a premier talent, one who gives you the opportunity to win races every week and contend for a championship every year," Haas said. "When he became available, we seized the opportunity to make him a part of Stewart-Haas Racing. This is an organization built on winning, and Haas Automation is a company built on performance. Kurt embodies each of those qualities, and it's why we're investing in his abilities."
"I've had a tremendous amount of respect for Kurt's talent and determination for as long as he's been racing in the Sprint Cup Series. Kurt is extremely knowledgeable, and his input will make all of Stewart-Haas Racing better," said Stewart, still recovering from a broken right tibia and fibula suffered in a sprint car crash Aug. 5 at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa. "When Gene Haas laid out his plans for what he wanted to do in regard to this race team's future, which included bringing Kurt on board in a fourth car, it was impressive. You can't stand still in this business. You have to constantly improve. Gene's investment in this race team ensures the success of Stewart-Haas Racing for many years to come."
Work has already begun on the physical expansion of SHR. Land adjacent to the team's existing 140,000-square foot facility is being cleared for construction of a building that will house research and development, a state-of-the-art pit fitness and training center, and multipurpose space for SHR partners.(Stewart Haas Racing)(8-27-2013)

Earnhardt Ganassi to announce #42 driver Friday: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has scheduled a press conference to announce the new driver of the #42 Target Chevy on Friday at 2:35pm/et at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(8-27-2013)

Montoya to Receive an Award: The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) announced the 26th Hispanic Heritage Awards Honorees, which will be celebrated on Sept. 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet SS, Juan Pablo Montoya, will be one of the select few honored at the awards ceremony for his career in sports. The awards, which celebrate Hispanic cultural pride, contributions, and accomplishments, will be broadcast on MundoFOX, Sunday, Sept. 15, at 6:00 p.m. EST/PST.(8-27-2013)

Atlanta Facts and Stats:
ˇ Originally called Atlanta International Raceway, the track was then a 1.5-mile paved speedway.
ˇ The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta was on July 31, 1960, won by Fireball Roberts from the pole.
ˇ The track was re-measured to 1.522 miles in the spring of 1970.
ˇ It was renamed Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1990.
ˇ The track layout was reversed and the track was re-configured to 1.54 miles between the two races in 1997.
ˇ There have been 105 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta Motor Speedway since the first race there in 1960. Until 2010 there have been two races per year except 1961, which had three. This year marks the third season with only one event.
ˇ 540 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway; 363 in more than one.
ˇ Richard Petty leads the series in starts at Atlanta with 65. Terry Labonte leads all active drivers with 55 starts, followed by Mark Martin with 52.
ˇ Fireball Roberts won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Atlanta in 1960 with a speed of 133.870 mph.
ˇ 46 drivers have Coors Light poles at Atlanta, led by Buddy Baker and Ryan Newman with seven each.
ˇ Winning consecutive Coors Light poles has happened eight times at Atlanta, among six drivers.
ˇ Ryan Newman holds the record for most consecutive poles at Atlanta with six; spring of 2003 through 2005.
ˇ 43 different NSCS drivers have won at Atlanta Motor Speedway, led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt with nine wins. Bobby Labonte leads all active drivers with six; followed by Jeff Gordon with five.
ˇ 11 drivers have posted consecutive wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Marvin Panch (1965 sweep), Bobby Allison (1972 sweep), David Pearson (1973 sweep), Richard Petty (1974 fall, 1975 spring), Cale Yarborough (1980 fall, 1981 spring), Bill Elliott (1985 sweep; 1992 sweep), Dale Earnhardt (1989 fall, 1990 spring; 1995 fall, 1996 spring), Bobby Labonte (1997 fall, 1998 spring), Jeff Gordon (1998 fall, 1999 spring), Carl Edwards (2005 sweep), Jimmie Johnson (2007 sweep).
ˇ Wood Brothers has the most wins at Atlanta in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 12: Cale Yarborough (three), David Pearson (three), Marvin Panch (two), Neil Bonnett (two) A.J. Foyt (one) and Morgan Shepherd (one).
ˇ Nine different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Atlanta; led by Chevrolet with 37 victories; followed by Ford with 29. Toyota has two wins at Atlanta.
ˇ 14 of the 105 (13.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Atlanta have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Kasey Kahne in 2006.
ˇ The fifth starting position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (15) than any other starting position at Atlanta Motor Speedway; the most recent was Jeff Gordon in 2011.
ˇ 26 of the 105 (24.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta have been won from the front row: 14 from the pole and 12 from second-place.
ˇ 60 of the 105 (57.1%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta have been won from a top-five starting position.
ˇ 83 of the 105 (79%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta have been won from a top-10 starting position.
ˇ Seven of the 105 (6.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
ˇ The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Atlanta is 39th, by Bobby Labonte in the fall of 2001.
ˇ Dale Earnhardt and David Pearson lead the series in runner-up finishes at Atlanta with seven each; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with five.
ˇ Dale Earnhardt leads the series in top-five finishes at Atlanta with 26; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 16.
ˇ Richard Petty leads the series in top-10 finishes at Atlanta with 33; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 25.
ˇ Ryan Newman leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Atlanta with a 7.100.
ˇ Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at 11.095.
ˇ Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway was the March 11, 2001 race won by Kevin Harvick over Jeff Gordon with a MOV of 0.006 second. It is the fifth closest finish scored by electronic scoring in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
ˇ There have been three NASCAR Sprint Cup races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): fall of 2007 (325/329); spring of 2010 (325/341) and fall of 2012 (325/327).
ˇ Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway five times; most recently the fall of 2010.
ˇ One active driver has posted his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Terry Labonte (3/15/1981).
ˇ Two active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have posted their first career start at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Jeff Gordon (11/15/1992) and Martin Truex Jr. (10/31/2004).
ˇ Two active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have posted their first career win at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Kevin Harvick (3/11/2001) and Carl Edwards (3/20/2005).
ˇ Cale Yarborough leads all drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Atlanta with 3,283 laps led in 47 starts. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in laps led at Atlanta with 1,280.
ˇ Three female drivers have competed at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Janet Guthrie, Shawna Robinson and Danica Patrick.(NASCAR)(8-27-2013)

Jason Leffler Memorial race on Wednesday (Aug 28th):Wayne County Speedway is announced the Jason Leffler Memorial race sponsored by Great Clips on Wednesday August 28th at 7:00pm/et. The event is a $5000 to win Midget race sanctioned by POWRI in which 100% of the front entrance and 50% of the back entrance will go to the Charlie Dean Leffler Discretionary Fund (c/o SunTrust Bank, 232 Williamson Road, Mooresville, NC 28117). Track owner Doug Stringer, a Mcleansboro, Ill. resident and former owner of Akins Motorsports, decided to run this event after the tragic passing of his long-time friend. Leffler left behind a son, Charlie Dean. Stringer's company, Stringer Holdings, manages the NASCAR and World of Outlaws race sponsorships for Great Clips. Leffler represented the world's largest salon brand in the NASCAR Nationwide Series from 2006-2011. As a tribute to him, Great Clips is proudly serving as title sponsor of the Jason Leffler Memorial race. The company will also sponsor Shane Hmiel Racing for the event, which will field two drivers including Darren Hagan and Justin Grant.(Wayne County Speedway)(8-27-2013)

Bristol Nationwide TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Bristol on Friday night, Aug. 23, earned a 1.1 U.S. household rating, averaging 1,686,962 viewers. The rating was the same as last year's race but viewership was up from 1,599,526 in 2012.(ESPN)(8-27-2013)

Crew member reinstated: NASCAR has reinstated former NASCAR Nationwide Series crew member Robert (Robbie) S. Harrison upon his successful completion of NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy Road to Recovery Program. Harrison had been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR on May 30, 2013 for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy.(NASCAR)(8-27-2013)

Canadian racers enter truck race, truck racers enter Canadian Tire event: NASCAR Canadian Tire Series regulars Martin Roy and rookie Alex Guenette will both attempt to qualify for the NCWTS race this weekend in their native country. Roy currently sits sixth in the standings with Guenette 12th.
Guenette will also be one of four drivers competing in both the NCATS event and NCWTS race on Sunday. Joining him will be truck regulars Jeb Burton, Ty Dillon and James Buescher.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-27-2013)

Hawk, Skeen join SGR for Canada: Sharp-Gallaher Racing announced today that new partner Hawk Performance will adorn the #6 Chevy when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series makes its debut this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
Mike Skeen joins SGR behind the wheel of the #6 Hawk Performance Chevy, bringing with him road racing expertise and previous hardware won at the Bowmanville, Ontario, road course. This weekend's Chevrolet Silverado 250 marks Skeen's first start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Skeen claimed the pole position and won the last four consecutive races in the Pirelli World Challenge GT Series at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. He currently drives the Hawk Performance/CRP Racing Corvette in World Challenge in addition to being a sought-out professional driving instructor. The #6 entry will showcase new SGR partner Hawk Performance. Hawk Performance is an industry-leading supplier of brake products to the performance street and motorsports markets, offering a wide variety of application-specific brake pads, rotors and calipers for domestic and import cars, trucks and SUV's.(Speed Sport News)(8-27-2013)

BKR co-sponsor for road course rooted in Canada: Ross Chastain, driver of the #19 Reese Towpower PartSouce Ford F-150, will make his eighth start for Brad Keselowski Racing in the Chevrolet Silverado 250 this Sunday afternoon at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in the Series' inaugural debut at the historical track.
It will be Reese Towpower's first co-primary sponsorship with PartSource on the #19 BKR machine of the 2013 season.
PartSource is a chain of automotive specialty stores across Canada with thousands of auto parts for cars and trucks. Consumers have the opportunity to learn 'do it yourself' tips from the pros onsite and review step-by-step instructions from light to heavy DIY jobs, including oil changes, tire repair and how to change brake pads. PartSource stores can be found across Canada, including auto parts stores in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia.(Brad Keselowski Racing PR)(8-27-2013)

Fans Can Experience More Than Just Racing at AMS: Three nights of exciting night racing highlight the AdvoCare 500 Labor Day race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, but there are more activities and events leading up to the race for fans to experience as part of the Biggest Labor Day Party in the USA. Among the activities beyond the race include the Reed Sorensen Charity Golf Classic at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Hampton on Thursday, August 29th. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and golfers tee off with a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with over a half dozen NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide series drivers who have volunteered to participate in the tournament to benefit Speedway Children's Charities.
The first NASCAR Hauler Parade in conjunction with the AdvoCare 500 will be held by the City of Hampton on Thursday, August 29th at 7 p.m. The parade will begin on Speedway Boulevard outside of Atlanta Motor Speedway and will continue through downtown Hampton. In addition, the City of Hampton will recognize Fayetteville resident and the 1960 NASCAR Grand National Series Champion Rex White at 4:30 p.m. as part of Hampton's Speed Lane dedication.
The NRA David Ragan Shootout will take place on Friday, August 30th at Cherokee Rose Sporting Resort. Registration begins at 10 a.m. followed by a meet & greet with participating drivers while on-course shooting will begin at 11 a.m. The Shootout benefits Speedway Children's Charities and the awards presentation will take place at 2 p.m.
Take the first lap of race day and enjoy some active, family fun at the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk benefiting Speedway Children's Charities on Sunday, Sept. 1 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Enter the track through Gate 15 beginning at 11 a.m. and follow the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk signs leading to the start/finish line. Admission is free for all race fans with an AdvoCare 500 race ticket. Coca-Cola Family Track Walks is a program that encourages health and happiness and brings the community together. This is your chance to celebrate healthy living at the track and experience its 24-degree turn banking before your favorite drivers fire up their engines. Special driver appearances by Coca-Cola Racing Family drivers, plus free Coca-Cola refreshments.
Fans can take home a piece of NASCAR history or get the ride of a life time as part of the Speedway Children's Charities memorabilia auction on Sunday. The auction begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Bruton Smith Park located in front of the Speedway and includes a plethora of NASCAR memorabilia as well as rides with NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers that will take place during introductions prior to the AdvoCare 500.
Country Music fans will not want to miss the Fast Cars and Guitars pre-race concert featuring Georgia native Billy Currington presented by Bad Boy Buggies. The performance starts at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 1 and stagefront access is $49 and includes stagefront access to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver introductions.
Plus, fans can check out the Fan Zone with interactive NASCAR displays, sponsors and souvenir stands or check out the Coca-Cola Fan Stage throughout the weekend with performances and entertaining acts. Or fans can spend time with family and friends camping and tailgating on the grounds of Atlanta Motor Speedway. All these events along with three great races help make the AdvoCare 500 race weekend the Biggest Labor Day Party in the USA.
NASCAR night racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day Weekend for the AdvoCare 500 race weekend. Tickets are on sale now and adult tickets start at $39. Student tickets cost just $19. Other specials are available while supplies last. For more information, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com or call the AMS Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX or (770) 946-4211.(AMS)(8-27-2013)

Eight area firms awarded subcontractor contracts to work on Speedway project: The general contractor for Daytona International Speedway's $400 million renovation has taken steps toward making good on its pledge to hire local companies to work on the project dubbed "Daytona Rising." Barton Malow, the Michigan-based general contractor for Daytona Rising, has awarded contracts for work on the project to eight Volusia County companies and plans to award more after an October outreach forum for companies interested in becoming subcontractors, said Lenny Santiago, a spokesman for the Speedway. "It's quite a bit of work," said Joe Zapert, president of Port Orange surveying firm Sliger & Associates, which has been hired to do surveying for the planned overhaul of the Speedway's frontstretch grandstands. Improvements include new seating throughout the frontstretch grandstands, and more food venues, restrooms and concession stands, as well as construction of five new fan entryways. The Speedway broke ground on the project July 5 and estimates it will generate about 4,000 jobs before it is completed in early 2016. More contracts for work will be awarded in coming months. Barton Malow and the Speedway, which held a Daytona Rising subcontractor outreach forum in July that drew more than 200 people, decided to hold a second one in October because of the large number of companies expressing interest in working on the project, Santiago said. As was the case in July, Barton Malow and the Speedway say they will be giving preference to Volusia-Flagler companies and women- and minority-owned businesses.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(8-27-2013)

RIR offers Pre-Race Pit Passes: Richmond International Raceway is bringing fans closer to the action than ever before with Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes prior to the upcoming Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday, September 6. You can watch NASCAR pole qualifying and practice from the perspective of a NASCAR crew member and see the stock cars from just a few feet away as they rumble down pit road, giving you an unforgettable experience of the sights and sounds that only NASCAR can produce. Individual Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes, $50 per person, are the only way fans can gain access to pit road prior to the Nationwide Series race. Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes are available online at rir.com or calling 866-455-7223.
Friday's events include Farm Bureau Insurance Pole Qualifying and practice for the Sprint Cup Series, as well as WRIC-TV8 Pole Qualifying and practice for the Nationwide Series. In order to purchase the Friday Pre-Race Pit Pass, you must have a ticket for the September 6, Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Pre-Race Pit Passes are limited to guests 16 years of age and older. A parent or guardian must sign waivers for and accompany children under 18 who are utilizing Pre-Race Pit Passes. Appropriate dress is required. Shirt, shoes and shorts or pants must be worn at all times while on pit road. No alcohol or coolers are permitted in the infield.(RIR)(8-27-2013)

News from August 26, 2013

Entry List for the AdvoCare 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #33-Austin Dillon, #40-Cassill, #47-Allmendinger, #51-Bobby Labonte, #32-Hill, #14-Martin. #19-Bliss needed to get in by speed by being in the top 36 in speed as the team is too far down the owners points list to use a provisional.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Atlanta Entry List

Crew chief change at MWR #55 team UPDATE: Scott Miller, MWR executive vice president of competition, is expected to act as interim crew chief on the #55 Aaron's Toyota team and for Brian Vickers until a replacement can be found. Rodney Childers informed MWR last week that he would not be returning to the team next year, opting to join Stewart-Haas Racing as (#4) Kevin Harvick's crew chief. "I'm at my last supper," Childers confirmed by text Monday, "with my guys." Miller served a similar role at MWR for Martin Truex Jr., when Chad Johnston was suspended at the end of 2011.(FoxSports)(8-26-2013)UPDATE: Michael Waltrip Racing announced that Scott Miller, its vice-president of competition, will oversee the crew chief duties on #55 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota for the remainder of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Miller will take the lead role on the #55 Toyota team working with driver Brian Vickers. Miller replaces Rodney Childers who remains under contract with MWR through December 31. Billy Scott, a race engineer with MWR since 2008 and exclusive to the #55 the past two seasons, will take an elevated role in car set up and race weekend preparations. Vickers will drive the #55 in the remaining 2013 races except at Talladega when two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip climbs behind the wheel. Vickers won the July 14 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the #55. The team is 19th in the car owner standings. Miller is a 20-year motorsports veteran who joined MWR before the 2012 season and played a major role in bringing the team its first two Chase berths last year. He has served as crew chief for several teams during his career (MWR)(8-26-2013)

Furniture Row Racing comments on Busch's decision: The following quote is attributed to Joe Garone, general manager of Furniture Row Racing in regards to Kurt Busch's decision not to continue as the driver of the #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet after the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. "It was always our intention to extend Kurt's contract with Furniture Row Racing. We made him an offer last week to continue as the driver of the #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet in 2014 and beyond. Though he did not accept our offer we respect his decision and wish him future success. His driving skill and being a dedicated team player will always be appreciated at Furniture Row Racing. But for right now the main focus for Kurt and the team is to qualify for the Chase and contend for the 2013 Sprint Cup Series championship. Furniture Row Racing's technical and engineering programs along with a talented road crew have made great strides this season, which have been evident with the consistently fast race cars that we have brought to the track week in and week out. We, along with our technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing, are deeply committed to continuing the work in progress. We are currently in a search process for a new driver in 2014, one who shares the same commitment and winning attitude that we all do at Furniture Row Racing."(Furniture Row Racing)(8-26-2013)

Haas would sponsor Kurt Busch UPDATE Done Deal? #00? Kurt Busch will be sponsored by Haas Automation if he signs with Stewart-Haas Racing for the 2014 season. Gene Haas, who co-owns SHR with Tony Stewart, told ESPN.com on Saturday he wants the 2004 Sprint Cup champion in one of his cars because he wants to take his non-racing company's name to Victory Lane. "I'd be happy to have a driver like that on our team," Haas said before the Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway. "You'd win a lot of races. I'd really be happy for my company Haas to be in the winner's circle. I've never been there. I want to be there with that name. I know Kurt has had a lot of sponsorship issues, but to me, I just want to win. I'm not too much worried about that stuff." Haas and the Furniture Row Racing driver began talking about the possibility of him coming to SHR last month during a General Motors dinner in Indianapolis. Not long after that, SHR offered Busch a contract to expand the organization to four teams with Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Danica Patrick. Busch has offers from several other teams, including one from Furniture Row that was given to his attorneys on Friday. Busch has yet to look over the FRR deal and likely won't until Monday. Haas said nothing has been signed as far as he knows, but he is optimistic Busch will come to SHR.(ESPN)(8-25-2013)UPDATE: Kurt Busch has signed a multiyear contract to drive for Stewart-Haas Racing beginning with the 2014 season, Busch told ESPN on Monday morning. "I'm going to Stewart-Haas," Busch said. "I've signed my deal." The SHR organization has said it will hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon "to announce the future expansion of Stewart-Haas Racing." Busch received the offer to drive for Stewart-Haas a week ago and received a subsequent offer from his current team, Furniture Row Racing, last week. He will be the fourth driver in the SHR stable, joining team owner #14-Tony Stewart, #4-Kevin Harvick and #10-Danica Patrick. Busch said Monday that he appreciates greatly the opportunity afforded him at FRR. Asked whether he can maintain focus and help get the #78 team into the Chase, he said, "Come Wednesday, that's all I'm going to think about."(ESPN)AND An official announcement with team co-owner Gene Haas - the man behind the decision - is set for 2:00 pm/et Tuesday at SHR headquarters in Kannapolis, NC. Sources say SHR is attempting to obtain the #00 for Busch to use beginning next season in the Sprint Cup Series.(Charlotte Observer)(8-26-2013)

ESPN, TNT could exit NASCAR early: ESPN and Turner Sports are talking with NASCAR about getting out of their broadcast rights agreement a year early, a move that could allow Fox Sports and NBC Sports Group to become the sport's broadcasters next year. It's unlikely that the four TV companies will be able to reach a deal, sources say. But the fact that these types of talks are occurring is precedent-setting in an industry where live sports rights are held sacred. For at least the past decade, no rights holder has exited a major media agreement with a property early. ESPN and Turner executives told the series that they are interested in forgoing the final year of their contract. Fox and NBC executives told NASCAR that they are interested in picking up those rights. And sources say NASCAR executives are open to the switch. But any deal faces significant hurdles. Sources said it would have to be a complete switch, not a partial one in which Turner exits its six Sprint Cup races or ESPN exits part of its Nationwide Series season. That means it would require an agreement between four competitors ESPN, Turner, Fox and NBC and one property, which would be difficult to structure. ESPN and Turner Sports are willing to sell their rights back to NASCAR for some sort of compensation. Fox Sports and NBC Sports Group are willing to buy the rights from NASCAR, but they feel they should be compensated for letting ESPN and Turner Sports out of their deals early. As the middleman, NASCAR would have to navigate those opposing interests. Representatives from the four media companies, as well as NASCAR, declined comment. ESPN and Turner Sports have told NASCAR they are prepared to carry the races next year, but both would prefer avoiding that lame-duck status. Both opted not to submit final bids to retain NASCAR rights when the sport held TV negotiations last month, and they see upside in exiting their deals a year early.(full story at the Sports Business Daily)(8-26-2013)

Special scheme for Dale Jr. at Atlanta: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will run a National Guard / Race2Achieve scheme at Atlanta this coming weekend as the National Guard has partnered with Hendrick Motorsports and certified educators to create Race 2 Achieve, a free high school math curriculum that focuses on how the engineers at Hendrick Motorsports utilize key concepts found In Algebra II And Trigonometry, and applies them to real-world scenarios. See an image of the scheme on the #88 Team Schemes page.(8-26-2013)

Hamlin's back hasn't fully recovered: #11-Denny Hamlin's chronic back pain continues to plague the Joe Gibbs Racing driver. After Hamlin won the pole Friday, it was as if the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway exacerbated the problem. "My daily life is miserable," Hamlin said. "This is nothing." Surgery to repair his spine is still "on the table" at the end of the season. Hamlin contends that "once I'm strapped in I'm fine" but also acknowledges that certain tracks such as Watkins Glen two weeks ago "definitely took its toll." He describes the sensation as "a nagging pain that just won't go away" but one has to wonder how long Hamlin can play hurt. "I have to weigh the options," Hamlin said. "What options do I have? There are 10 different things you can do to help with either pain or the structure of your back I just have to figure out which one is the right one for me."(FoxSports)(8-26-2013)

Nationwide Entry List:There are 42 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday night's Great Clips / Grit Chips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. A few notes:
Jeff Green is listed in the #10, but is expected to fill in again for Eric McClure;
Chris Buescher returns to the Roush #16;
Ryan Sieg returns with the #39 team;
Cole Whitt is back in the TriStar #44;
Jamie Dick returns with the #55 team;
The #74 driver is TBA;
Kyle Fowler is back in the Go Green #79.(8-26-2013)UPDATE: Jeff Green will drive the #14 again in place of Eric McClure.(8-27-2013)
See the complete list on the Atlanta entry list page.

McClure hospitalized; Green in the #14 UPDATES: Due to an undisclosed illness that has left Eric McClure hospitalized, he will be sidelined for Saturday's inaugural race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. In McClure's absence, Jeff Green, former NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion and teammate to McClure at TriStar Motorsports, will pilot the #14 Hefty/Reynolds Toyota during the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200. McClure's status on returning to competition is week to week.
(TMI)(8-14-2013) (8-17-2013)UPDATE: Team McClure, Inc. announced that Jeff Green will pilot the #14 Hefty/Reynolds Toyota during Friday night's Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The team's regular driver, Eric McClure, was admitted to a local hospital on August 12 and was diagnosed with acute renal failure after a series of tests. The Virginia driver's creatinine levels were elevated, signaling improper kidney function. McClure is still receiving treatment, but is hopeful to be released from the hospital this week. His status remains week to week. McClure said, "This has been a very challenging week for me, both physically and emotionally. Having a newborn and four other little girls, among other things, has also presented a challenge to my family. Recovery can be a slow and frustrating process, but thankfully we are seeing signs of healing. I can't thank everyone enough for all of the prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes during this difficult time and I can't wait to be back behind the wheel of the Hefty/Reynolds Camry."(TMI)(8-20-2013)UPDATE 2: Eric McClure tweeted an update Tuesday afternoon, "Going home today. Thanks everyone 4 all the kind words. Not sure how much more my family can take, but thankful 4 the blessings God gives. I'm so ready to be with Miranda and the girls. So many people involved this wk w/helping diagnose/treat & and i appreciate them so much. Finally, fans/race community well wishes have been truly humbling. So proud to be part of NASCAR world. Going 2 b a bit but I WILL BE BACK."(8-20-2012)UPDATE 3: Instead of preparing for a Bristol breakthrough, [Eric] McClure has been dealing with pain and searching for answers. McClure spent eight days at Bristol Regional Medical Center where he was diagnosed with acute renal failure. He was released Tuesday evening and is currently resting at home. In a phone interview Wednesday afternoon, McClure admitted that he feels a high level of frustration. "This has not been a fun process," McClure said. "Things were really close to getting bad, so the best thing right now is that doctors have diagnosed the problem and we're treating it." McClure became ill just moments after walking through his front door following the Aug. 10 Nationwide event in Watkins Glen, N.Y. "I went to the emergency room and they found out that I had an infection," McClure said. "I was violently sick for a day."
In the May Nationwide race at Talladega last year, McClure was involved in a horrific crash that became the subject of sports highlight shows across the country. The impact left McClure with damage to his pancreas and the third concussion of his career. According to McClure, there does not appear to be an immediate correlation between his racing injuries and renal problems even though the symptoms and treatments are similar. "We've tossed around several theories, but nothing has added up," McClure said. "This just snuck up on us. There have been some long nights. It's just tough physically and emotionally." McClure is unsure how many races he will be forced to skip. Green is expected to run each as a fill-in.(TriCities.com)(8-22-2013)UPDATE 4: As far as being in the race car, short-term concerns involve potential crash injury to the areas where he had tests and the biopsy. Longer term, there are worries about dehydration. McClure said he tried to talk doctors into giving him the green light to start races, given that he wants to stay in the top 20 in Nationwide drivers' points. "It doesn't sound like that's going to fly," he admitted. In the meantime, Green will continue to pilot the #14 car, and McClure will hope for a return around Chicagoland. "We're saying week to week, but I would say Chicago would be optimistic," McClure said. "And that's kind of the target. If anything happens before then, it's a blessing." Even that, though, is an estimation. In truth, McClure isn't exactly sure when he'll be back. Or if he'll even return to full-time NASCAR competition at all. "I'm not going to be a Cup driver. I love this, but there's going to have to be some decisions made, and we're probably at that point where we make those decisions," he said. "I do want to come back, and I do want to have fun. Whenever that time is, whether it's this year, next year, whenever, I want to go out good and be proud to say I did it. I can't ask for anything more, but in truth, at the same time, five years from now I've got to be able to provide for my kids and be a father and play with them. These guys who have a lot more at stake than me, it's easy to be a hero and suck it up. But if something had happened, and if this had hit the wrong day, and I had pulled myself out -- which I would have -- who knows what happens. This time, I've got to listen to the doctors."(NASCAR.com)(8-26-2013)

Entry list: There are 30 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Sunday's Inaugural Chevrolet Silverado 250 on the road course at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Some notes include;
Alex Guenette is entered in the #39;
Martin Roy is entered in the #72;
Chad Hackenbracht returns to the #51;
Max Papis was expected in an NTS entry, but he is not on the initial list. (8-26-2013)
See the complete list on the Canada entry list page

Rodney Childers' departure leaves a tough spot to fill at MWR: From Rodney Childers' point of view, Stewart-Haas Racing made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Nevertheless, the impending departure of the crew chief of the #55 Toyota will leave a major void at Michael Waltrip Racing. Childers, a well-respected talent in the garage, will serve as Kevin Harvick's crew chief at SHR next season, leaving MWR with the unenviable task of trying to replace him as Brian Vickers takes the seat of the #55 Camry full-time. "He's not going to be easy to replace--he's very, very good at what he does," Martin Truex Jr., Vickers' teammate, told the NASCAR Wire Service Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway. "He's been a big part of Michael Waltrip Racing, obviously. He was there long before I was. He's very smart and I really enjoyed my time there working with him, because we did work very closely together with all our teams. He brought a ton to the table. It's going to be hard to replace him for sure, especially this late in the season. He's definitely a special talent, (but) that's part of the sport--people change and find things and better opportunities elsewhere, and I wish Rodney the best of luck. Hopefully, we'll find somebody good to fill that position."(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-25-2013)

Sad News - Neal Sims: former NASCAR reporter / writer Neal Sims, 63, of Birmingham passed away August 23, 2013 in Cullman, Al. after a lengthy illness. Mr. Sims graduated from Auburn University with a BA Degree in Journalism and received his Masters of Journalism from University of Missouri. He retired from Birmingham News after 20 plus years of service where he was a recipient of numerous awards for Sports Writing. He loved covering the NASCAR Races. After retiring he became a freelance writer. Service Info, condolences at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary.(8-25-2013)

News from August 24, 2013

Kenseth wins Bristol:#20-Matt Kenseth won the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway for his 5th win of 2013 and 29th career win. Kenseth led the most lap with 149 of 500.
#5-Kahne finished 2nd followed by #42-Montoya, #55-Vickers, #22-Logano, #27-Menard, #24-Gordon, #9-Ambrose, #16-Biffle & #88-Earnhardt Jr.
Mark Martin finished 20th in his first run in the #14 Chevy. Points leader #48-Johnson had another rough race, wrecking and finishing 36th. #99-Edwards, coming into the race 3rd in points, lost an engine and finished 39th. Pole sitter #11-Hamlin was caught up in a late wreck and finished 28th.
There were 16 lead changes among 9 drivers and 11 cautions for 74 yellow flag laps and a very short red flag.
The average speed was 90.279mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Bristol Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Bristol Penalty Report (pdf).(8-24-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Chase Wild Card Standings:
[after Bristol, race 24 of 36]Current Wild Cards:
WC1) #56-Truex Jr. [1 win], 14th in points (22pts out of 10th)
WC2) #39-Ryan Newman [1 win], 15th in points (26pts out of 10th)other wild card contenders
#14-Tony Stewart [1 win] 19th in pts (91 out of 10th)
#2-Brad Keselowski, 11th in points (4 out of 10th)
#78-Kurt Busch, 12th (6 out of 10th)
#24-Jeff Gordon 13th in pts (11 out of 10th)
#1-Jamie McMurray 16th in pts (38 out of 10th)
#27-Paul Menard 17th in pts (47 out of 10th)
#43-Aric Almirola 19th in pts (69 out of 10th)
#31-Jeff Burton 20th in pts (93 out of 10th)
#34-David Ragan [1 win] 26th in pts (233 out of 10th)
The top-10 drivers will make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Positions 11 and 12 in the 12-driver Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup are Wild Cards, and will go to drivers outside the top 10 with the most wins, as long as they are ranked in the top 20 in points. If multiple drivers outside the top 10 tie for wins, the tie-breaker will go to the race winner with the highest points position.
(ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd place finishes, etc)
See wild card standings on the Unofficial Wildcard Standings page (pdf).(8-24-2013)

Kyle Busch going for the triple at Bristol, for 2nd time: Friday's victory coupled with a triumph in Wednesday's Camping World Truck Series event at Bristol gives #18-Kyle Busch a chance in today's Sprint Cup showdown to match his unprecedented three-race sweep at Bristol in August 2010 (Bristol Herald Courier), Busch will start 43rd in the Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol after spinning out in qualifying. Busch was fastest in Friday's final practice.UPDATE: ran as high as 2nd after starting 43rd and finished 11th.(8-24-2013)

Patrick to set record: Saturday night at Bristol, #10-Danica Patrick will again make NASCAR history when she makes her 34th career Sprint Cup Series start, breaking a tie with Janet Guthrie for the most career series starts by a woman. Not that breaking the record comes as much of a surprise. When it was announced that Patrick would become the first woman to run a full Cup Series schedule, August 24th was immediately known to be the date this mark would be met. The history of women in NASCAR's top division is pretty sparse. Only 16 women have ever started a Cup race, half of those doing so in NASCAR's first seven seasons (1949-55). Besides Patrick and Guthrie, only one other woman has even reached double digits in starts, Louise Smith, who ran 11 races in NASCAR's first four seasons (ESPN)(8-24-2013)

BMS to introduce its own radio style scanner station: History will be made this week in Bristol and not just on the race track. That's because Bristol Motor Speedway will introduce its own scanner station this week. Visitors to the track will be able to listen to the radio-style station through either a scanner or through a mobile app. Some of the content that will be found on the scanner station include updates on traffic and weather, pre and post-race shows, interviews, driver appearances and questions from social media. The radio will be available on scanner frequency 454.5000, or mobile users can download the Bristol LIVE app.(Kingsport Times News)(8-24-2013)

More testing at Richmond: On the heels of this week's "under the lights" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing excitement at Richmond International Raceway, even more stars return to America's Premier Short Track, August 26-27. Prior to the September 7 Federated Auto Parts 400 "One Last Race to Make The Chase" at America's Premier Short Track, drivers will prepare their cars at RIR, and grandstands will be open free to the public from 5:00 to 9:00 pm/et. each night. Drivers will get precious track time "under the lights" in preparation for one of the most anticipated races of the season. Only the top 10 drivers in the point standings and two Wild Cards (drivers who are in positions 11-20 with the most wins) will earn a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The way things are shaping up, there could be more than 10 drivers on the proverbial "bubble."
Scheduled to participate Monday, August 26 & Tuesday, August 27: #10-Danica Patrick, #14-Mark Martin, #39-Ryan Newman, #83-David Reutimann, #30-David Stremme, #93-Travis Kvapil and Parker Kligerman in a NASCAR Nationwide Series car. Fans may enter Richmond International Raceway through the Main Gate, located at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Meadowbridge Rd. Parking will be on the Midway, outside of Gate 70. A concessions stand will be open with food and beverages, and fans are allowed to bring in their own food and beverage (no glass allowed). Tickets are on sale now at rir.com or 866-455-7223.(RIR)(8-24-2013)

Furniture Row Racing to offer Busch an extension UPDATE: it was reported on FoxSports1 (thanks for the Jayski mention) during practice by Bob Dilner that #78 Furniture Row Racing is working on a contract extension for driver Kurt Busch. Busch is rumored to be talking to Stewart Haas Racing to run a 4th car there in 2014. Supposedly FRR will have the contract extension ready for Busch to look at after the first practice session at Bristol.(8-23-2013)UPDATE: Kurt Busch has been offered an extension from Furniture Row Racing. Although Busch was offered a deal from FRR earlier this year, he opted to wait and 'kick the tires' before making a final decision. "The timing of making a decision is what it needs to be," Busch said. "There are timelines on things and things that have to fall into place. The timing of this is tough because it's the middle of August and it's the run towards the Chase. But it's a decision I have to put a lot of time and effort into. "So, we'll see how things play out. Right now, the focus is these three weeks and getting into the Chase. The cool part about everything is that after the next three weeks, I hope we're five points from the championship lead because that will mean we are in." When SHR competition director Greg Zipadelli was asked about Busch's status for next season, he replied, "As far as Kurt's deal, that is moving forward. We spent some time this week talking about buildings and expanding. As far as that part of it goes we are pretty much committed."(FoxSports)(8-24-2013)

Bristol Battles as Seen Through the Eyes of NASCAR Artist Sam Bass: NASCAR artist Sam Bass is known for his work capturing the emotion and historic moments in our sport. As he prepares to head to Bristol Motor Speedway, the program cover he designed for them is no different. "Bristol has such a rich history of great rivalries over the years. My vision was to take the great "Bristol Battles" in recent years and put the viewer of my art right in the middle of it all," Bass explained of his thoughts for the August 2013 night race at Bristol Motor Speedway program cover. Explaining his vision for the 2013 design, Bass said, "I used the famous Tony Stewart helmet toss at Matt Kenseth's car from last August as the central focus. The viewer becomes the umpire watching Tony throw a perfect strike in a packed stadium. In the night sky, high above the modern day colosseum, are the portraits of spirited competitors Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte along with Jeff Gordon and Rusty Wallace as they light up the moon. Images of their on track battles, pierce the night sky."
"This is one of my favorite Bristol paintings ever," Bass said exuberantly. As he prepares for a busy schedule at Bristol, Bass shared his love for the track.
"Bristol is like no other track on the circuit. I love standing on pit row, right before the race. The sense of electricity in the air, the night sky, the lights bouncing off the cars, the flashes from all the cameras in the grandstands...You just know that the sparks are about to fly and it is truly one of the greatest moments in NASCAR!"(140Buzz), see image of cover at Sam Bass Faceook page.(8-24-2013)

Dale Jarrett pushing Bristol for All-Star Race: ESPN analyst Dale Jarrett is a public advocate of deeming Bristol Motor Speedway as the new venue for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. "Charlotte has been a great venue, and Atlanta that one year, but I think it's time that we take it to a short track and let these drivers battle it out," Jarrett said, winner of the 1997 Goody's Headache Powder 500. "Short tracks are where every one of these drivers got their start. What better place to have the All-Star Race than action-packed Bristol. You have side-by-side racing; you have to know in your mind that if the drivers come here with that kind of money on the line, then they're going to be willing to take out their best friend, just spin him and take the spot."(Bluefield Daily Telegraph)(8-24-2013)

Associate sponsor joins Wise at Bristol: Tennessee insurance agency Price & Ramey Group will join Front Row Motorsports for Saturday's Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway as an associate sponsor. The logo of the Kingsport-based company will be on the deck lid of Josh Wise's #35 Carson-Newman University Ford Fusion for the primetime night race at the half-mile oval. Price & Ramey is a multi-line independent insurance agency serving families, individuals and businesses throughout the East Tennessee region with five locations since 1914. The Front Row car will also highlight area Carson-Newman supporters Ted Russell Automotive Group, Premier Building Maintenance Corporation and Aramark (FRM)(8-24-2013)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Irwin Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway have been made.
Pole sitter #11-Hamlin chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #78-Busch took pit stall 23, the first pit stall on the backstretch.
#99-Edwards, who starts 3rd took the 22nd pit stall, the last pit stall on the front stretch pit road.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #55-Vickers, who starts 4th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-23-2013)

Bristol Pit Rules: Bristol Motor Speedway operates under a plan where one-pit road will be used during pit stops under caution. Currently, Bristol remains the only track in the Sprint Cup Series that utilizes two pit roads with 22 pit stalls on the front stretch and 21 on the backstretch. Teams that pit on the backstretch used to be at a competitive disadvantage. Since the spring 2002 race at Bristol, teams will enter pit road in Turn 2 (the current backstretch pit entrance) drive around down the backstretch and around Turns 3 and 4 and exit in Turn 1. Under green-flag conditions teams will enter and exit pit road under the current two-pit-road scheme.

Hamlin wins Bristol pole: #11-Denny Hamlin won the pole for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway with speed of 128.969mph for his 4th pole of 2013 and 16th of his career. Hamlin has won three times from the pole in his career.
#78-Busch is on the outside pole, followed by #99-Edwards, #55-Vickers, #20-Kenseth, #22-Logano, #5-Kahne, #39-Newman, #56-Truex Jr. and #43-Almirola.
#51-Ryan Truex will make his Sprint Cup Series debut starting 18th.
Fastest in happy hour practice, #18-Kyle Busch, spun and wrecked on his qualifying run and will start 43rd/last.
Failing to qualify for the race: #19-Mike Bliss.
See the starting lineup, pole progression, qualifying results, qualifying order on the Bristol Starting Lineup / Qualifying Page.(8-23-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Bristol:
#11-Denny Hamlin won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 53rd Annual IRWIN Tools Night Race with a lap of 14.878 seconds, 128.969 mph.
This is his 16th pole in 279 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his fourth pole and 14th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in 16 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
#78-Kurt Busch (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2013 and his eighth in 26 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
#99-Carl Edwards (third) posted his 10th top-10 start at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his 12th in 24 races this season.
#10-Danica Patrick (22nd) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(8-23-2013)

Qualifying Order for the Irwin Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted. 44 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #31-Burton.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #32-Schrader.
Fastest in 1st Friday practice, #34-Ragan, is scheduled to qualify 29th.
Fastest in Happy Hour practice, #18-Busch, is scheduled to qualify 19th.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
If qualifying were to be rained out, starting order would be set by results from the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Bristol Qualifying Page.(8-23-2013)

1st Friday practice for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over, after 120 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#34-Ragan 125.322
#48-Johnson 125.134
#24-Gordon 124.922
#18-Busch 124.841
#2-Keselowski 124.776
slowest: #95-Speed 118.877 & #33-Raines 119.373
notes: there is a chance of rain this afternoon, so this practice could be important in the sense that the starting order would be set by the speeds from this practice. Top-36 fastest, then by former past champs, race attempts, then those seven set in 37-43 by speed.
See fastest speeds, laps run, top-10 lap averages on the Bristol Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(8-23-2013)

Furniture Row Racing to offer Busch an extension: it was reported on FoxSports1 (thanks for the Jayski mention) during practice by Bob Dilner that #78 Furniture Row Racing is working on a contract extension for driver Kurt Busch. Busch is rumored to be talking to Stewart Haas Racing to run a 4th car there in 2014. Supposedly FRR will have the contract extension ready for Busch to look at after the first practice session at Bristol.(8-23-2013)

SHR's Zipadelli talks about expansion, Busch and Childers: Greg Zipadelli, Competition Director for Stewart-Haas Racing, met with the media at Bristol along with Mark Martin, who is subbing for Tony Stewart the rest of the season, part of the questions dealt with 2014 plans for SHR:Q) IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A LOT GOING ON BEHIND THE SCENES AT STEWART-HAAS AND YOU GUYS ARE SEEMINGLY TAKING A PRETTY AGGRESSIVE STANCE AND POSITION ON BUILDING THINGS FOR THE FUTURE. WHAT IS GOING ON, AT STEWART-HAAS? IT SEEMS LIKE YOU GUYS ARE BUILDING AND BEING VERY AGGRESSIVE AND WANT TO BECOME A VERY LARGER PLAYER AMONGST THE HEAVY WEIGHTS? GREG ZIPADELLI: "I think that is said very well is we are looking to expand. We are looking to do whatever we can to make Stewart-Haas a better place to race, give our drivers better resources. Our crew chiefs and things our goal is to give our teams better product to race every week going into Daytona. With four good drivers next year I think that it gives us that opportunity. Our owners are aggressive. It's kind of exciting it's fun in a time where everybody is kind of going the other way we've got owner that are committed to stepping up and hopefully making Stewart-Haas a bigger and better place in the future."Q) CAN YOU BE A LITTLE MORE SPECIFIC WHERE DO THINGS STAND WITH KURT (BUSCH) AND IS RODNEY (CHILDERS) GOING TO BE THE CREW CHIEF FOR KEVIN HARVICK NEXT YEAR?GREG ZIPADELLI: "We love Rodney (Childers) we think a lot of him he has been a friend of mine for a while. We have talked to many people. He is on our radar, but we have no commitments, nothing signed. I talked to people yesterday about the opportunity so we would love to make him part of Stewart-Haas, but we are not there yet. As far as Kurt's deal that is moving forward. We spent some time this week talking about buildings and expanding. As far as that part of it goes we are pretty much committed."Q) INAUDIBLE:GREG ZIPADELLI: "We are working on that and if we can get it all worked out we are going to head that way."Q) WHAT ESSENTIALLY TRANSPIRED IN THE MONTHS SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE THAT RYAN (NEWMAN) WOULDN'T BE COMING BACK AND TONY'S STATEMENT AT THE TIME THAT HE DIDN'T THINK YOU WERE READY FOR FOUR CARS? HAS THERE BEEN A QUANTUM CHANGE IN PHILOSOPHY SINCE THEN THAT'S MAYBE ALLOWED YOU TO GO FORWARD WITH THAT FOURTH CAR AS MUCH AS YOU CAN GET INTO THAT WHAT HAS CHANGED?GREG ZIPADELLI: "I mean obviously something has changed. Gene Haas is obviously a partner and started this many years ago. He just came the other day, he is always liked Kurt (Busch). We had talked about Kurt last year of putting him in the #39 things just didn't work out. It's really nothing that Ryan (Newman) did wrong I mean he's done a great job, he's a good guy, heck of a driver. This just kind of got sprung on us 14 days ago or less. It's kind of all come down. Gene just showed some interest and having the ability to put something together. Without getting into a ton more details that is really all it is. It's something we are working on. I don't know that it will all come together. It's going to take an awful lot. It is kind of late. We didn't think that we would have all the pieces to get put together at Loudon and felt like it was the best thing for Ryan to give him a fair shot at securing something for himself. I mean which is the most important thing."(Team Chevy)(8-23-2013)

Who will be Harvick's crew chief at Stewart-Haas? UPDATE Childers to leave MWR: Sources say that Budweiser signed off with [Stewart-Haas Racing] in the last month after opting not to introduce a fourth different driver in seven seasons. Although [Stewart-Haas Racing] and Kevin Harvick declined to name a crew chief for the #4 team, [Michael Waltrip Racing's #55] Rodney Childers has been mentioned as the lead candidate.(Fox Sports)(7-14-2013)UPDATE: (#55 crew chief) Rodney Childers is leaving Michael Waltrip Racing and is expected to be named the crew chief for Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing (in the #4 Chevy) next season. MWR confirmed Friday morning that Childers is leaving after the season. Childers is expected to be named the crew chief for Harvick, who has 21 career victories in a 13-year career at Richard Childress Racing but will leave that organization at the end of the year for SHR. "Stewart-Haas Racing has not signed any new crew chiefs for 2014, but the team thinks very highly of Rodney Childers and he is on a short list of candidates," SHR spokesman Mike Arning said in an email.(Sporting News)MORE Rodney Childers has informed Michael Waltrip Racing he will not return to the #55 NASCAR Sprint Cup team next year. Childers is moving to Stewart-Haas Racing, where he is expected be the crew chief for Kevin Harvick. "It's been a very long process, very hard and very emotional, too," Childers told Performance Racing Network. "I ended up making the decision a couple of days ago. I told MWR yesterday and had to tell all my guys this morning. I was pretty much a mess trying to tell them. This team is the best group of guys I've ever been around and a pretty big family. After being here for five years, it's pretty hard to walk away from that. Going to SHR and working with Harvick is an opportunity that not many people ever get. I was afraid if I didn't take it I would regret it the rest of my life. That's not something I wanted to do." Childers told FOXSports.com that he was "not sure on (whether he would remain with MWR) the rest of the year. I will do what everyone at MWR wants me to do, and try to leave this team in winning condition."(FoxSports)(8-23-2013)

Cassill to drive #40 Moon Shine Attitude Attire Chevy at Bristol: Hillman Racing announced that Moon Shine, LP, a premium designer of Moon Shine Attitude Attire, will engulf the #40 Chevrolet SS in its Wildfire-branded camouflage pattern this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway in a specially designed vehicle wrap. Landon Cassill, who has split time between the #33 and #40 Sprint Cup entries this season, will pilot the #40 Moon Shine Attitude Attire Chevrolet in Saturday night's Irwin Tools Race Night (Tony Raines is in the #33). "We wrapped a car earlier this season in the Wildfire Camo pattern and I couldn't believe the amount of attention it received from the fans at the race track," stated Hillman Racing team owner Mike Hillman, Sr. "With NASCAR's new rules allowing full-pattern wraps, this will be the second time this season that we've worked with Moon Shine to help bring attention to their line of camouflage apparel that the NASCAR fans really seem to enjoy. We've had a lot of requests to run this scheme again, so we thought where better but under the lights at Bristol on Saturday night."(Mike Hillman Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #40 Team Schemes page.(8-23-2013)

Nationwide Insurance debuts on the #17 car: Nationwide Insurance will debut its two-year partnership with Roush Fenway Racing's #17 Ford by sponsoring Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at Bristol this weekend. Nationwide Insurance will be the primary sponsor for two other races in 2013 (Richmond & Talladega), four races in 2014 and will serve as associate sponsor for all other #17 team Sprint Cup races. The race dates in 2014 are yet to be determined. See an image of the scheme on the #17 Team Schemes page.(8-23-2013)

Victory Junction featured on the #98 at Bristol: The Victory Junction logo will don the hood of the #98 Ford. The #98 Phil Parsons Racing Ford driven by Michael McDowell will feature the Victory Junction colors this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway in celebration of the camp's 10th summer of enriching the lives of chronically ill children. NASCAR teams visited every week during summer camp.... Each summer, campers look forward to the visits from pit crew members who are invited to display their talent (while wearing silly hats and boas) by performing pit stops and allowing campers the opportunity to man the air guns and change tires themselves. NASCARnival, a Victory Junction tradition, occurs every Tuesday through the summer and is an evening of fun as Victory Circle transforms into a carnival atmosphere filled with hot air balloon rides, dunk tanks, dance parties and cotton candy. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org.(Phil Parsons Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #98 Team Schemes page.(8-23-2013)

Martin-For-Stewart Shakes Up Owner Chase Possibilities: No owner whose driver failed to reach the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup has ever qualified for postseason riches. The 2013 season could prove to be the exception to the rule and in a most unexpected manner. Heading into Bristol's IRWIN Tools Night race, it's business as usual. Kasey Kahne and the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy team and Martin Truex Jr. and the #56 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota team hold the provisional Wild Cards. Both could make the Chase as top-10 finishers in the regular season. Kahne and Truex are four and 10 points, respectively, behind 10th-place #16-Greg Biffle.
Should they advance, the door would open for two teams which have undergone massive changes in the past few days. The #14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevy stands third in owner Wild Card standings having scored the same number of points 653 as the #56 team. Three-time champion Tony Stewart is finished for the season as he recuperates from a broken leg suffered earlier this month in an Iowa sprint car accident. His replacement for 12 of the remaining 13 races is Mark Martin who, teamed with Michael Waltrip and Brian Vickers, has given the #55 MWR Toyota a shot at a Chase owner Wild Card. The #55 is sixth in owner Wild Card standings on the strength of now-regular driver Vickers' victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The irony is that Martin will battle to keep his new team ahead of his old organization, as well as the #22 Penske Racing Ford of Joey Logano and #39 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet of Ryan Newman.(NASCAR), see Owners points standings on the Official Michigan Race and Points Report.(8-23-2013)

Georgia Peanut Commission to sponsor Ragan at Atlanta:The Georgia Peanut Commission will be sponsoring Georgia-native #34-David Ragan in the Sprint Cup NASCAR race scheduled for Sept. 1 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Prior to the race, representatives from GPC will be promoting peanuts and peanut nutrition at David Ragan's annual fan club party Aug. 29 in Perry, GA. Joe Boddiford, GPC vice chairman and chairman of the GPC promotions committee, is excited about the race and the opportunity to support one of Georgia's own, as well as Georgia's official state crop. "David Ragan is a Georgia boy and Georgia is the No. 1 peanut-growing state in the nation," Boddiford said. "The Georgia Peanut Commission is very excited to have this opportunity to help sponsor him in the Atlanta race this fall and we're certainly hoping he'll win." Boddiford is looking forward to the race and the exposure it will bring for Georgia's agricultural industry, particularly peanuts. The Georgia Peanut Commission represents 3,500 peanut farmers in the state of Georgia and conducts programs in areas of research, education and promotion.(Tifton Gazette)(8-23-2013)

Bristol Notes & Facts - Friday:
ˇ Fred Lorenzen won the inaugural Coors Light pole with a speed of 79.225 mph.
ˇ 46 different drivers have poles at Bristol, led by Mark Martin and Cale Yarborough with nine each. Martin swept both poles at Bristol in 2009.
ˇ The race winner has started from the pole 22 times, the most productive starting position. The last driver to win from the pole was Carl Edwards, in the night race of 2008.
ˇ Four drivers have won from the pole position more than once: Bobby Allison (1972 twice), Cale Yarborough (1973, 1977 twice, 1980), Darrell Waltrip (1981 twice, 1982) and Rusty Wallace (1991, 1993, 1999, 2000).
ˇ 10 different drivers have posted consecutive poles at Bristol Motor Speedway; Mark Martin is the only of the 10 to win four consecutive poles at Bristol: Fireball Roberts (swept 1962), Fred Lorenzen (swept 1963), Richard Petty (1967-'68), Bobby Allison (swept 1972), Cale Yarborough (swept 1973; swept 1977; swept 1980), Darrell Waltrip (swept 1981), Geoff Bodine (swept 1986), Mark Martin (swept 1995-1996 all four races; and swept 2009); Rusty Wallace (swept 1998) and Jeff Gordon (swept 2002).
ˇ Jeff Gordon leads (active drivers) the series in average starting position at Bristol with a 6.876.
ˇ Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway three times; most recently this event last season.(NASCAR)(8-23-2013)

Two top-five milestones are on tap this weekend: #99-Carl Edwards continues to hunt for his 100th career top-five finish, which would make him the 36th driver to reach 100 top fives and tie him with Geoff Bodine on the all-time list. After a fifth-place finish at Michigan, #15-Clint Bowyer is on the verge of scoring his 50th career top five. He would be the 69th driver to do so (NASCAR)(8-23-2013)

Busch wins Nationwide race at Bristol: #54-Kyle Busch won the Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway for his 9th win of the season and the 60th of his Nationwide career. #22-Brad Keselowski finished second followed by #3-Austin Dillon, #31-Justin Allgaier, #32-Kyle Larson, #6-Trevor Bayne, #33-Ty Dillon, #5-Kasey Kahne, #2-Brian Scott, and #11-Elliott Sadler. Only 9 cars finished on the lead lap. There were 4 cautions for 32 laps and 2 lead changes among 2 leaders. Complete results are on the Bristol race results page (pdf).(8-23-2013)

Nationwide Bristol Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the 32nd Annual Food City 250, his 60th victory in 261 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his ninth victory and 14th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his sixth victory and 15th top-10 finish in 19 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Brad Keselowski(i) (second) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 13 races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2013.
Austin Dillon (third) posted his second top-10 finish in four races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Sam Hornish Jr. leads the point standings by 6 points over Austin Dillon.
With the win tonight Kyle Busch now has 120 NASCAR National Series wins - second most all time behind NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty with 200. Breakdown of Busch's NASCAR National Series wins: 27 NSCS, 60 NNS (series most) and 33 NCWTS.
Kyle Busch last swept a NASCAR national series weekend earlier this season at Auto Club Speedway (NSCS and NNS). He last swept all three NASCAR national series at Bristol Motor Speedway in the fall of 2010.
Kyle Busch has set a new track record for the most NASCAR national series wins at the track with 15 (5 NSCS, 6 NNS - series most and 4 NCWTS - series most)
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-23-2013)

Bristol Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Busch(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 32nd Annual Food City 250 with a lap of 15.354 seconds, 124.971 mph.
This is his 32nd pole in 261 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his sixth pole and 13th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his third pole in 19 races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Brian Scott (second) posted his 14th top-10 start of 2013 and his fourth in nine races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Ty Dillon(i) (third) posted his first top-10 start at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his fourth in six races this season.
Kyle Larson (fifth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-23-2013)

News from August 22, 2013

New sponsor for McMurray at Charlotte in Oct::Shorai Inc., a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of prismatic cell, lithium iron phosphate power sports batteries, announced a strategic partnership with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Having track-tested Shorai LFX batteries in their race cars for over two years, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has signed Shorai as their official battery supplier for their two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams, the #1 team of Jamie McMurray and the #42 team of Juan Pablo Montoya. "I'm glad to have Shorai LFX batteries on board with our team for the Charlotte Fall race. It is always exciting for our team to have new partners join our organization, especially those companies whose products we use and rely on for performance already," said Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 car for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.. Shorai will have their logo featured on McMurray's #1 Chevrolet SS for the Oct. 12, 2013, Bank of America 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Leading the market's conversion from traditional lead-acid batteries to lighter, more efficient and higher performance lithium starter batteries, Shorai LFX" batteries can be found in thousands of dealers across the globe.(Powersports Business)(8-22-2013)

NASCAR hall loses $1.6M, execs see hope for future: The NASCAR Hall of Fame lost $1.6 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, results disclosed in newly released annual financial figures compiled by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The $200 million auto racing museum, which opened in May 2010, has run deficits since its inception. Tom Murray, the visitors authority CEO, told me in an interview at his office Wednesday, "The ultimate goal for us is to make money" at the hall of fame. A pre-audit report provided by the visitors authority showed the deficit for fiscal 2012 was $835,281. The numbers were calculated differently, so making a direct comparison and saying the deficit doubled is difficult. The 2012 figure excludes money for improvements to the exhibits allocated after construction had started; for the fiscal 2013 statement, that expense totals $900,000. A CRVA spokesperson said the comparable deficit for 2012 was $1.8 million. Despite the deficits in fiscal 2013, Murray said the results beat projections by $600,000. If you're confused, the simple math works this way: the NASCAR Hall of Fame is still losing a lot of money and the visitors authority is revamping sales and advertising tactics to turn things around.(see full story at the Charlotte Business Journal)(8-22-2013)

NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series in Prime Time at Bristol: The NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will race under the lights at the half-mile Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend with both races airing in prime time. ABC will have a live telecast of the Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Saturday night, Aug. 24. NASCAR Countdown airs at 7:00pm/et with the race's green flag scheduled at 7:43pm/et. The NASCAR Nationwide Series races on ESPN on Friday night, Aug. 23, with Countdown at 7:00pm/et and the green at 7:44pm/et. Also from Bristol, ESPN2 will air Sprint Cup qualifying on Friday at 5:30pm/et.

Johnson baby due at the beginning of the Chase: Here's the good news for five-time NASCAR champion #48-Jimmie Johnson: In four weeks, wife Chandra is due to give birth to the couple's second child and add another girl to the family. The potentially bad news: Girl No. 2 is due on Chicagoland race weekend (Sept. 13-15), which marks the first race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Johnson told USA TODAY Sports he wouldn't mind if the baby came during the Richmond race weekend (Sept. 5-7). He's already locked into the Chase, after all. However, he said hopefully, "I'll take a weekday."
"We're getting in the window," he said. "We'll see what happens. Weekdays would be good. I hope No. 2 isn't afraid of Mondays or Tuesdays." As you would expect from Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus and all of Hendrick Motorsports, the team has a well-planned substitute driver lineup if Johnson suddenly is called back to Charlotte. Johnson, who is atop the standings and is tied with Matt Kenseth with a series-high four wins, said the plan is "quite complicated," but the #48 car would be driven by either James Buescher or Regan Smith. "It depends on when I need to leave, what track I'm at vs. what track they're at and on what day," Johnson said. "So it moves around quite a bit, but those are the two guys who are set up to fill in if need be." The couple's first child, Genevieve (or "Evie"), is 3.(USA Today)(8-22-2013)

Michael Waltrip to run K&N Pro Series West race: Two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip flies to Spokane County Raceway this week to compete in Saturday night's K&N Pro Series West race on the half-mile oval. The founder and co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing will drive the #20 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota for Bill McAnally Racing in the 10th race on the 15-race schedule. Saturday night's race marks the 50-year-old Waltrip's first K&N start in 2013. In addition to Spokane, Waltrip is slated to race Oct. 12 at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. He owns one win (Pikes Peak1997), three top-five and 5 top-10 finishes in six series starts. Waltrip finished sixth at Colorado in his only series start last year (MWR).(8-22-2013

Chase Clinches a bunch might come at Bristol: #48-Jimmie Johnson has stood alone for two weeks as the only driver to clinch a spot in the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Already guaranteed a top-10 spot and the three bonus points per win that go with it Johnson will enter the Chase with at least 2,012 points. After race No. 26 at Richmond, all 12 Chase drivers will have their points reset to 2,000, but only the top 10 will have three points added to their total for each victory over the first 26 races. Johnson currently has four victories (both Daytona events, Martinsville and Pocono). In terms of Chase clinches, expect a few drivers to join Johnson this weekend at Bristol.
Three drivers can clinch a top-10 spot: #15-Clint Bowyer, #99-Carl Edwards and #29-Kevin Harvick. The magic number for a top-10 clinch is 97 points; leaving Bristol, anyone 97 points ahead of 11th will clinch a top-10 spot.
Bowyer is currently 113 points ahead of 11th. He is guaranteed to clinch a top-10 spot by finishing 12th or better, or 13th and at least one lap led, or 14th and most laps led. Edwards is currently 103 points ahead of 11th. He is guaranteed a top-10 clinch with a win or runner up; or third and at least one lap led, or fourth and most laps led. Harvick is currently 90 points ahead of 11th. He'll clinch by improving upon his current cushion by seven points.
A number of drivers can clinch at least a Wild Card spot this weekend. Because they own multiple wins this season, after this weekend, a few drivers could fall out of the top 10 yet still be guaranteed a Wild Card spot after race No. 26. The Wild Card spots go to the two drivers outside the top 10 with the most wins, provided they are in the top 20.
#20-Matt Kenseth, who has four wins but has yet to clinch a top-20 spot, can clinch at least a Wild Card this weekend (a win would guarantee it). The same goes for #18-Kyle Busch (three wins) and #5-Kasey Kahne (two wins).(NASCAR)(8-22-2013)

Bristol Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in all three NASCAR series in action at Bristol this week will run the same Goodyear tire codes, though the Sprint Cup and Nationwide tires will be branded "Goodyear Eagle," while the Camping World Truck tires will be branded "Goodyear Wrangler" . . . for Sprint Cup teams, this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires they have run in the last two races at Bristol . . . Nationwide teams also ran this same combination at Bristol earlier this season . . . both Nationwide and Camping World Truck teams ran this right-side tire code with a different left-side code at Bristol in 2012 . . . this being Truck teams' first Bristol race on this left-side tire code, it features both compound and construction changes compared to last season's left-side and will give the trucks more grip . . . unlike on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, on which teams generally do not run inner liners in their tires, teams are required to run liners in their right-side tires only at Bristol . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire (Goodyear), see full notes, tire codes, tire pressures on the Bristol Race Info - Goodyear section.(8-22-2013)

Bristol Notes & Facts - Thursday:
ˇ 41 different drivers have won at Bristol, led by Darrell Waltrip (12). Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch each have five wins, the most among active drivers.
ˇ Junior Johnson leads the series in car owner wins at Bristol with 16; Rick Hendrick, Roger Penske and Jack Roush are tied among active car owners for the most wins at Bristol with 10 each.
ˇ 12 drivers have won consecutive races at Bristol led by Darrell Waltrip with seven consecutive victories from 1981-1984. The other 11 are Fred Lorenzen (1963-1964 sweep), David Pearson (1968 sweep), Bobby Allison (1972 sweep), Cale Yarborough did it twice (1974 sweep and four straight from 1976-1977), Richard Petty (1975 sweep), Dale Earnhardt also did twice (1985 sweep and 1987 sweep), Alan Kulwicki (1992 sweep), Rusty Wallace (2000 sweep), Kurt Busch (2003 sweep and 2004 spring race), Kyle Busch (2009 sweep), and Brad Keselowski (2011 fall-2012 spring).
ˇ Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Bristol was the 3/25/2007 race won by Kyle Busch with a MOV of 0.064 second.
ˇ Eight different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Bristol; led by Chevrolet with 43 victories; followed by Ford with 33. Toyota is ranked fifth among Manufacturers with five wins at Bristol.
ˇ Six of the last eight races have ended with a Margin of Victory of less than a second.
ˇ There has been three green-white-checkered finishes at Bristol all three were the spring race: 2007 (500/504); 2008 (500/506); 2009 (500/503).
ˇ 84 of the 105 (80%) races have been won from a top-10 starting position; including 53 from the first four spots.
ˇ 35 of the 105 (33.3%) races at Bristol have been won from the front row: Pole position (22 wins); second-place (13 wins).
ˇ Five of the 105 (4.7%) races have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
ˇ The deepest in the field that a race winner has started was 38th, by Elliott Sadler; in 2001.(NASCAR)(8-22-2013)

Ben Leslie joins Go Green: #79-Go Green Racing announced that Ben Leslie will lead the team as crew chief starting this weekend at Bristol. Leslie has been a winning crew chief while compiling 40 top 10 finishes in The Sprint Cup Series and has worked for Roush Fenway Racing and Ford Racing. Kyle Fowler will drive the #79 at Bristol and Atlanta followed by Jeffrey Earnhardt at Richmond and Kentucky, with Maryeve Dufault making her Nationwide Series oval debut at Chicagoland.(Go Green Racing)(8-22-2013)

McClure hospitalized; Green in the #14 UPDATES: Due to an undisclosed illness that has left Eric McClure hospitalized, he will be sidelined for Saturday's inaugural race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. In McClure's absence, Jeff Green, former NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion and teammate to McClure at TriStar Motorsports, will pilot the #14 Hefty/Reynolds Toyota during the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200. McClure's status on returning to competition is week to week.
(TMI)(8-14-2013) (8-17-2013)UPDATE: Team McClure, Inc. announced that Jeff Green will pilot the #14 Hefty/Reynolds Toyota during Friday night's Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The team's regular driver, Eric McClure, was admitted to a local hospital on August 12 and was diagnosed with acute renal failure after a series of tests. The Virginia driver's creatinine levels were elevated, signaling improper kidney function. McClure is still receiving treatment, but is hopeful to be released from the hospital this week. His status remains week to week. McClure said, "This has been a very challenging week for me, both physically and emotionally. Having a newborn and four other little girls, among other things, has also presented a challenge to my family. Recovery can be a slow and frustrating process, but thankfully we are seeing signs of healing. I can't thank everyone enough for all of the prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes during this difficult time and I can't wait to be back behind the wheel of the Hefty/Reynolds Camry."(TMI)(8-20-2013)UPDATE 2; Eric McClure tweeted an update Tuesday afternoon, "Going home today. Thanks everyone 4 all the kind words. Not sure how much more my family can take, but thankful 4 the blessings God gives. I'm so ready to be with Miranda and the girls. So many people involved this wk w/helping diagnose/treat & and i appreciate them so much. Finally, fans/race community well wishes have been truly humbling. So proud to be part of NASCAR world. Going 2 b a bit but I WILL BE BACK."(8-20-2012)UPDATE 3: Instead of preparing for a Bristol breakthrough, [Eric] McClure has been dealing with pain and searching for answers. McClure spent eight days at Bristol Regional Medical Center where he was diagnosed with acute renal failure. He was released Tuesday evening and is currently resting at home. In a phone interview Wednesday afternoon, McClure admitted that he feels a high level of frustration. "This has not been a fun process," McClure said. "Things were really close to getting bad, so the best thing right now is that doctors have diagnosed the problem and we're treating it." McClure became ill just moments after walking through his front door following the Aug. 10 Nationwide event in Watkins Glen, N.Y. "I went to the emergency room and they found out that I had an infection," McClure said. "I was violently sick for a day."
In the May Nationwide race at Talladega last year, McClure was involved in a horrific crash that became the subject of sports highlight shows across the country. The impact left McClure with damage to his pancreas and the third concussion of his career. According to McClure, there does not appear to be an immediate correlation between his racing injuries and renal problems even though the symptoms and treatments are similar. "We've tossed around several theories, but nothing has added up," McClure said. "This just snuck up on us. There have been some long nights. It's just tough physically and emotionally." McClure is unsure how many races he will be forced to skip. Green is expected to run each as a fill-in.(TriCities.com)(8-22-2013)

Campgrounds at Atlanta Motor Speedway Open Saturday August 24th: With the AdvoCare 500 weekend still over a week away, campers will begin emerging this week in preparation for this Saturday's campground openings at Atlanta Motor Speedway which begin at 8:00am/et. Unreserved RV camping spots located off Speedway Boulevard are $60 and can be purchased at the entrance to the campgrounds on a first-come-first-served basis. Spaces in the unreserved Tent and Pop Up Camping surrounding the lake near turn 4 is $100 and can also be purchased upon arrival. Reserved camping credentials and tow-passes can be purchased at the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office and all vehicles must have camping credentials or a tow pass to enter campgrounds. Campers are also reminded that a minimum of two AdvoCare 500 tickets must be presented to enter campgrounds. Tickets will be available for purchase at the ticket office for campers who have not yet secured their race tickets. NASCAR night racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day Weekend for the AdvoCare 500 race weekend. Tickets are on sale now and adult tickets start at $39. Student tickets cost just $19. Other specials are available while supplies last. For more information, visit atlantamotorspeedway.com or call the AMS Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX or (770) 946-4211.(AMS)(8-22-2013)

Fan Friendly Hotel Options For Race Fans at AMS: Atlanta Motor Speedway, through a partnership with local hotels, reminds fans of the Speedway's fan friendly hotels for race fans seeking lodging options for the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR night race weekend Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, 2013 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. These hotels have partnered with Atlanta Motor Speedway to offer fans lodging options with affordable rates while they are at the Speedway on Labor Day Weekend. Each of these hotels agree not to require fans to stay multiple nights while also offering fans nightly rates of no more than $119 per night. A complete listing of Atlanta Motor Speedway's fan friendly hotels in available by visiting atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(8-22-2013)

News from August 21, 2013

Ty Dillon to move to #3 NNS ride in 2014, Austin to move to Cup in 2014? UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing has partnered with D.G Yuengling & Son to be a primary sponsor on the #3 Yuengling Light Lager Chevrolet with driver Ty Dillon during the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. As part of their 185th anniversary of brewing great lager, America's oldest operating brewery will be the primary sponsor on the RCR Chevrolet Camaro for eight races of the 2014 schedule. Yuengling Light Lager will be a key partner as Dillon moves full time to the Nationwide Series next season. Dillon is currently competing for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship and has one victory to his credit this season (RCR). Looks like Ty is replacing Austin Dillon in the #3 NNS Chevy. This move kind of strengthens the rumors that Austin Dillon supposedly move up to the Sprint Cup Series in 2014, driving a car for Richard Childress Racing. Rumors have Childress bring back the #3 with Austin Dillon driving, either replacing Kevin Harvick in the #29 and changing to the #3 or as a fourth Cup team in 2014.(8-19-2013)UPDATE: from a Roush Fenway Racing press release about AdvoCare sponsoring Trevor Bayne the #6 NNS ride in 2014: "AdvoCare served as the sponsor on the #3 car of Austin Dillon the past two seasons. With Dillon making the move to full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing in 2014, the organization began the process of diligently seeking out its best option moving forward."(8-21-2013)

Stewart Plans to Keep Racing Sprint Cars: Tony Stewart says he will return to sprint car racing next season, according to Kendra Jacobs, co-host of Motor Racing Network's "Winged Nation.'' Jacobs visited Stewart on Monday night. She said on Tuesday's show that Stewart gave her explicit instructions to tell "Winged Nation'' listeners he will continue to race sprint cars despite breaking his right tibia and fibula in a sprint car crash Aug. 5 at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Jacobs said on "Winged Nation'' that Stewart's sprint car crew is preparing for his return. "His race team, (crew chief) Jimmy Carr and those guys are already building his sprint cars for next year,'' Jacobs said on the weekly show that details winged sprint car racing throughout the country and can be heard at MotorRacingNetwork.com.(Motor Racing Network)(8-21-2013)

Is Larson ready for a Cup ride? UPDATE Larson believes he is ready for Cup: With Juan Pablo Montoya exiting the #42 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevy at the end of the season, speculation has quickly turned to potential replacements. Kyle Larson, 21, is under contract to the organization for eight years, but from an experience standpoint, he has less than one full season of NASCAR Nationwide Series racing under his belt. The way #48-Jimmie Johnson sees it, that may not be a big issue -- and Johnson ought to know. After learning the sport with limited success in NASCAR Nationwide cars, Johnson made the jump to NASCAR Sprint Cup and has dominated that division in terms of race wins and titles since he joined the series full-time in 2002. "When you look at Kyle's background (Sprint Cars), he's driving cars with far more power than grip," Johnson said before Friday's practice. "I think the Cup car will suit his style far better than a Nationwide car. But you do need that foundation of knowing these tracks, because when we show up, our fastest lap we'll run all weekend will probably be our first lap right now. And if Kyle Larson wants to go to Cup next year, that's tough to do. He's going to need the whole session to get where he needs to, and then you're five or six adjustments behind the fast guys."(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-18-2013)UPDATE: Throughout the weekend at Michigan International Speedway, several Sprint Cup drivers who had made the move to the top NASCAR level at a young age were asked about the adjustment. Those questions pertained to the possibility that Earnhardt Ganassi Racing could move 21-year-old Kyle Larson into the No. 42 car starting next season. Juan Pablo Montoya won't return to the seat, and Larson is considered one of the top young talents in the sport, but many fear moving him to Cup could curb his development and ruin a bright future. Only in his second full season of stock-car racing, Larson sits ninth in the Nationwide standings while driving for Turner Scott Motorsports on loan from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. Larson has been lauded by Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and others for his racing ability, which has produced several major sprint-car victories as well as a truck win at Rockingham. The typically mild-mannered Larson just went about his business of racing the Nationwide car last week at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course a little bit oblivious of all the talk about him in Michigan, but obviously knowing his name is circulating heavily in the rumor mill.
"I didn't know that people had been asking the Cup guys if they thought I was ready or not yet," Larson said in a phone interview Monday. "I thought it was really cool that a lot of people thought that I was speculated about going in the 42. I think that says I'm doing OK. I don't know if it will happen or not, but I'm not really worried about whether people think I'm ready or not." With several sprint-car races on his schedule this summer and the full slate of Nationwide races, Larson said he hasn't had much time to think about his future. He believes he could handle Cup as far as racing but would have to get used to a schedule filled with longer events and several more sponsor and media commitments. "The races are longer so I might have to think about working out," Larson said. "I think I would handle it pretty well. I think I would get used to it. I think I would race OK." Larson believes he could handle the mental stress that could come with being a rookie at the major level.(Sporting News)(8-21-2013)

RainEater Wiper Blade to sponsor Almirola:RainEater Wiper Blades, an Erie-based company, will have "Erie, PA" on the hood of the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford driven by Aric Almirola at Bristol. The logo also will appear on the team's pit stall during the race. "We are so very proud of our hometown that we wanted to share it with all of the NASCAR car Sprint Cup fans," RainEater president Lance Thornton said in a prepared statement. "When we founded RainEater Wiper Blades, it was conceived so I didn't have to leave Erie and be able to raise our children in this beautiful community. This is my way of saying thanks to Erie. Maybe it will help other businesses look at our community also." Fans from Erie can enter to win a piece of the Cup car by liking RainEater's Facebook page after the race weekend. "It's great to see a new partner come support Richard Petty Motorsports and our #43 team," Almirola said in a statement.(GoErie), , see an image of the scheme on the #43 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2013)

Shell Saver Cardholders Can Save When #22 Ford Fusion Wins: Joey Logano took the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion to victory lane at Michigan, and now it's time for Shell customers who have a Shell $aver Card to save! Shell is offering Shell Saver Cardholders the opportunity to save 22 cents per gallon on Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines and Shell Diesel, up to 25 gallons per vehicle, on Wednesday, or WINsday, August 21. The season-long promotion, called WINsday, will be applicable after every points race in which Joey Logano takes the checkered flag. And new this year, Shell Saver Cardholders who are also registered Members of the Fuel Rewards Network" program have the opportunity to save an additional 22 cents per gallon for each No. 22 team victory that can be redeemed on a future purchase of high quality fuels at any participating Shell branded station if you use your Shell Saver Card to purchase fuel at Shell on WINsday.*. This is in addition to their Shell Saver Card savings. For additional information, visit www.shell.us/winsday.(Shell PR)(8-21-2013)

Bondo scheme for Biffle at Bristol: Greg Biffle is covering the 3M #16 Ford Fusion with Bondo this week in preparation for the tight track at Bristol Motor Speedway. Biffle isn't planning for the inevitable paint swapping at Saturday's night race, however, but rather switching out his traditional 3M design for a new Bondo Brand paint scheme. Bondo Body Fillers are a staple on the racetrack and have long been a fan favorite for repairing the dents, dings, and damage commonly seen on and off the oval. The red wrap and white Bondo lettering mimic the fillers' two-part formula and give Biffle a fresh look for his quest to capture the checkered flag this weekend in Tennessee. Bristol marks the first race with 3M Window Film as the official window film of NASCAR (3M). See an image of the car on the #16 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2013)

Peanut Patch returns to sponsor the #34 at Bristol: The bright green and yellow colors of Peanut Patch will shine brightly under the lights of Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend when David Ragan brings the South's Favorite Snack to the biggest night race of the year. Peanut Patch returns to the #34 team for its third race of the season,(FRM), see an image of the scheme on the #34 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2013)

Bristol Notes & Facts - Wednesday:
ˇ Mark Martin leads the series (among active drivers) in runner-up finishes at Bristol with six; followed by Kevin Harvick and Terry Labonte with four.
ˇ Darrell Waltrip and Richard Petty lead the series in top-five finishes at Bristol with 26 each. Terry Labonte leads the series among active drivers with 19 followed by Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin (16).
ˇ Richard Petty has 37 top-10 finishes, more than any other driver. Terry Labonte leads the series among active drivers in top-10 finishes with 33; followed by Mark Martin with 23 and Jeff Gordon with 22.
ˇ Kyle Busch leads the series (active drivers) in average finish at Bristol with a 9.824.
ˇ Two of the 105 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Bristol Motor Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was the event on 3/31/1996.
ˇ Kurt Busch posted his first series career win at Bristol (2002), and Joey Logano won his first pole at Bristol (2010).
ˇ All 15 active NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers who have won at Bristol Motor Speedway participated in at least two or more races before visiting Victory Lane among the active winners Kurt Busch won in the fewest starts (third) at Bristol.
ˇ Jeff Burton competed at Bristol Motor Speedway 28 times before winning (2008 spring race); the longest span of any the 15 active winners. Burton is the only active driver to have made 20 or more attempts before his first win at BMS. Kasey Kahne, who won earlier this season made 18 previous starts before his win at BMS.
ˇ Bobby Labonte leads the series (active drivers) with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup starts at Bristol without visiting Victory Lane with 41.
ˇ Two female drivers have made NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Bristol: Janet Guthrie and Danica Patrick.(NASCAR)(8-21-2013)

Farm Rich Sponsors David Ragan Richmond: Georgia-based Farm Rich is revving up its engines with Unadilla, Ga., native David Ragan for September's premier short track scene at the Richmond International Raceway for the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race. The Sept. 7 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race is the second time this season Farm Rich has served as the primary sponsor of Ragan and his #34 Ford. In May 2013, the frozen snacks and appetizers brand teamed up with him at Talladega for the Aaron's 499 race weekend, where Ragan won his second Sprint Cup victory in an exhilarating 1-2 finish for Front Row Motorsports. "After David's incredible race at Talladega, we're especially excited to partner with him and the #34 team again," said Shannon Gilreath, senior brand manager for Farm Rich. "Not only is he a great driver, but he's also a great guy who our consumers relate to as part of Farm Rich's wholesome, family brand." Farm Rich has extended the partnership to include The Kroger. Kroger will be included on the #34 car as well as host Farm Rich product demonstrations at more than 650 stores nationwide on race day. "Farm Rich fans are huge supporters of NASCAR so this is an ideal sponsorship for us," Gilreath added. "We're hoping to see David and the Farm Rich #34 car in another victory lap, but either way, we'll all be cheering for him in September."(FRM), see an image of the scheme on the #34 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2013)

Crew Member Suspended Due To Violation Of NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy UPDATE: Eric Maycroft, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series [#56 MWR], has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's Substance Abuse Policy. On Aug. 16, Maycroft was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(8-20-2013)UPDATE: Michael Waltrip Racing fired Eric Maycroft, front tire changer for #56-Martin Truex Jr.'s team, after NASCAR indefinitely suspended him Tuesday for violating the sanctioning body's Substance Abuse Policy. Maycroft joined Truex's team in May 2011. MWR issued a statement on Maycroft: "Michael Waltrip Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policies and those who complete the Road to Recovery program. MWR's zero tolerance policy has resulted in the immediate termination of the employee."(Motor Racing Network)(8-21-2013)

Sad News - Floyd Ganassi: Statement from Chip Ganassi Racing Teams on the Passing of Floyd Ganassi: "It is with heavy hearts that everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing Teams offers our condolences to Chip Ganassi and the whole Ganassi family on the passing today of Chip's father, Floyd Ganassi. Everyone that knew Floyd knew that he was beloved at racetracks all across the country and leaves a long trail of great friends. Floyd Ganassi will be sorely missed by us all." Information on arrangements will be forthcoming.(CGR)(8-19-2013)
See full obit and service info at Pittsburgh Tribune.(8-21-2013)

Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post them] and what chassis were selected by the team to run in the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway:

#1-Jamie McMurray: chassis not reported on race preview.#2-Brad Keselowski: Primary Chassis for Bristol is PRS-849 which last raced at Dover in June and finished 5. The Backup Chassis is PRS-847 which has been a backup at several races but not raced.#5-Kasey Kahne: Crew chief Kenny Francis will unload Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 5-769 for Saturday night's event at Bristol. Kahne has raced this car five times this season, notably reaching Victory Lane at Bristol on March 17. During those five starts, he has averaged a 5.4 starting spot on the strength of outside pole positions at Phoenix and Bristol and a fourth-place start at Richmond. Kahne also lined up eighth in this car on July 14 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In 19 Sprint Cup starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kahne has one win, four top-five finishes and eight top-10s. He also has earned one pole position and has led a total of 456 laps.#7-Dave Blaney chassis not reported on race preview.#9-Marcos Ambrose: The #9 Stanley team prepared chassis No. 784 back to Bristol after competing with the chassis at the .53-mile track in March. Ambrose has nine previous starts at the Bristol Motor Speedway. He has finished in the top-10 in four of those races and twice in the top-five. The half-mile track has proved to be one of the best ovals for Ambrose. He has best finishes of third and fifth.#10-Danica Patrick will pilot Chassis No. 10-579 at Bristol which was used by #39-Ryan Newman during the 2010 and 2011 seasons but has since been completely overhauled and transformed into a Gen-6-style Chevrolet SS. The Irwin Tools Night Race will mark the third race for Chassis 10-579 with Patrick behind the wheel. She first used it in March at Bristol, where she started 41st and finished 28th. The GoDaddy team then tested Chassis 579 May 14-15 at Dover before returning to the track for the June race and starting 39th and finishing 24th.#11-Denny Hamlin: chassis not reported on race preview.#13-Casey Mears: not reported.#14-Mark Martin: Chassis No. 14-722 debuted in June 2012 at Pocono as Tony Stewart took Chassis No. 14-722 from its 22nd-place starting spot to finish third in the Pocono 400. It returned to Pocono in August for the series' second visit to the quirky, 2.5-mile triangle where it had a similar outing, as Stewart rallied it from its 28th-place starting spot to finish fifth in the rain-shortened race. While Chassis No. 14-722 didn't race again in 2012, it was tested extensively in the wind tunnel and on the track. It tested at Nashville Superspeedway Sept. 25-26 and at Kansas Oct. 17-18. With 2013 Chevrolet SS bodywork covering it, Chassis No. 14-722 returned to racing in March at Bristol for the Food City 500. After qualifying eighth and practicing well, Stewart declared he had the best car he'd had in years at Bristol. But just nine laps into the 500-lap race around the .533-mile oval, Stewart's left-rear tire deflated. Stewart spun and impacted the SAFER Barrier on the outside of turn one with the left side of his racecar. Stewart was OK, but his racecar was not. After lengthy repairs, Stewart returned to the track and finished 31st. Chassis No. 14-722 was rebuilt and saw track time at Dover during a test May 14-15. That test paid off when the car returned to Dover in June, where in its fourth career start and second of 2013, Chassis No. 14-722 won after rallying from its 22nd-place starting spot. The car returns to the concrete for a third straight time for the Irwin Tools Night Race this weekend at Bristol.#15-Clint Bowyer: Primary chassis 773 finished eighth at Charlotte in May. Backup chassis No. 727 has served as a backup several races in 2013, but not raced.#16-Greg Biffle: and the Matt Puccia led #16 3M / Bondo Ford Fusion team will bring primary chassis RK-822, which last ran at Martinsville and finished 9th.. Backup chassis RK-803 last ran at Bristol and finished 11th. Biffle has 21 Sprint Cup Series starts at Bristol, earning six top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. He has an average starting position of 13.4 and finishing position of 12.1 at the short track.#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: and the #17 Nationwide team will be using primary chassis RK-791, which last raced at Kentucky and finished 17th and also ran at Bristol earlier this year. The backup chassis is RK-801, was a chassis for the #99 team in 2012. Stenhouse made his first Sprint Cup start at the World's Fastest Half-Mile in March, earning a respectable 16th-place finish.#18-Kyle Busch: chassis not reported on race preview.#20-Matt Kenseth: chassis not reported on race preview.#22-Joey Logano: Primary Chassis is PRS-842 which last race at Dover in June and finished 7th. The Backup Chassis is PRS-844 which has been a backup at several races but never raced#24-Jeff Gordon: chassis not reported on race preview.#27-Paul Menard will pilot chassis No. 414 at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend. This #27 Schrock/Menards Chevrolet SS previously ran this season at Auto Club, Darlington and Kentucky, with its best finish of eight coming at Auto Club Speedway. Menard has 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at the half-mile oval. His best start of fourth and best finish of fifth both came in 2011. In Menard's last five Sprint Cup Series events at Bristol, he has earned four top-10 finishes. The Wisconsin native has completed 5,990 of 6,009 laps attempted (99.7%) at the Bristol track, leading 36 of them. Schrock is a manufacturer of fine kitchen and bath cabinetry, offering on-trend styling and creative organization solutions for the entire home.#29-Kevin Harvick:will pilot chassis No. 383 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable in the IRWIN Tools Night Race. This Jimmy John's Chevrolet was most recently driven to an eighth-place result at Dover International Speedway in June. Since his first Sprint Cup Series appearance at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2001, Harvick has made 25 starts at the half-mile oval. In those 25 starts, the California native has collected one win (April 2005), nine top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. Harvick holds an average starting position of 17.8 coupled with an average finishing position of 12.6, has completed 98.2 percent (12,290 of 12,513) of the laps contested and led 427 circuits.#31-Jeff Burton will race chassis No. 392 this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. This #31 Caterpillar Chevy was utilized three times during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season at Kentucky and Dover. Burton also piloted this machine to a top-10 finish earlier this season at Phoenix and an 11th-place finish at Dover in June. This weekend's 500-lap event marks Burton's 40th start at the half-mile bullring and his 679th-career Sprint Cup Series entry. Burton has garnered one win, eight top-five and 15 top-10 finishes at the track and led 322 laps at the Bristol, Tenn.-based race track.#34-David Regan chassis not reported on race preview.#35-Josh Wise chassis not reported on race preview.#36-J.J. Yeley chassis not reported on race preview.#38-David Gilliland chassis not reported on race preview.#39-Ryan Newman will pilot Chassis No. 39-727 which debuted at Charlotte in May 2012, when Newman finished 14th. The chassis made its last start of the 2012 season at Homestead, where Newman and the #39 team recorded a third-place finish. Chassis No. 39-727 was outfitted with a Chevrolet SS body over the winter and was raced again at Charlotte, this time in the NASCAR Sprint All- Star Race, where Newman finished 13th.#42-Juan Pablo Montoya: chassis not reported on race preview.#43-Aric Almirola:: The #43 RainEater Wiper Blades team will race chassis No. 850, last ran in April at Martinsville.#47-Bobby Labonte chassis not reported on race preview.#48-Jimmie Johnson: will drive chassis No. 720 at Bristol, which last raced at Texas in November 2012 and won. Chassis No. 797 serves as the backup.#55-Brian Vickers: Primary chassis is 776, which was raced by Mark Martin in June at Michigan, finishing 26th. Vickers owns two top-five and three top-10 finishes in 17 starts. He's led 127 laps. He's finished in the top eight in the last three races at Bristol driving the #55..#56-Martin Truex Jr.: chassis not reported on race preview.#78-Kurt Busch chassis not reported on race preview.#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.: crew chief Steve Letarte and the #88 team will unload Hendrick Motorsports No. 88-745. Earnhardt most recently raced this chassis to a 10th-place finish at Dover (Del.) International Speedway in June. In 27 Sprint Cup Series starts at Bristol, Earnhardt has scored one win, seven top-five finishes and 13 top-10s. The 38-year-old driver has an average finishing position of 11.6 and has completed 98.9% of all laps he's attempted (13,365 of 13,513 total) at the short track. He has led 758 laps at the .533-mile oval.#99-Carl Edwards the #99 Fastenal team will run RK-802 which last ran at Dover. The backup chassis is RK-826, which last ran at Texas. In 18 starts at the 0.533-mile bullring, Edwards has two wins, four top-five, seven top-10 finishes and two poles. His average start is 18.5, and his average finish is 14.6. Edwards has completed 8583 of 9013 (95%) laps attempted at Bristol. Fastenal will run a primary paint scheme with supplier brands Milwaukee, Greenfield, IRWIN and Krylon on the hood, TV panel, deck lid and b-post.
(from numerous team PR's /sites)(8-21-2013)

Advocare to sponsor Bayne in 2014 UPDATE:: Trevor Bayne and the #6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford team will partner with leading health and wellness company AdvoCare for the full 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. Bayne, 22, is in his fifth season on the Nationwide tour. He has two NNS victories in 107 starts, most recently winning in June at Iowa Speedway. Bayne joined Roush Fenway Racing in October 2010 and is eighth in points, 73 behind current leader Sam Hornish Jr. AdvoCare, based in Plano, Texas, first appeared on the NASCAR scene in 2011 as a sponsor for the Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The following year, AdvoCare expanded its involvement with sponsorship of the #3 Richard Childress Racing team in NNS as well as an additional Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. Most recently, AdvoCare supported Austin Dillon's Nationwide Series effort.(Fox Sports)(8-21-2013)UPDATE: AdvoCare, a premier health and wellness company, has announced it will team with Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne to serve as the full-time partner on the #6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2014. The #6 team, led by award-winning crew chief Mike Kelley, is currently competing for its third consecutive NNS Championship. "AdvoCare has always valued its relationship with the motorsports community, and as we began thinking about our vision for 2014 we knew this would be a winning combination," said AdvoCare President and CEO Richard Wright. "Trevor embodies the spirit of AdvoCare through his values and integrity. He's a true champion. We feel the Nationwide Series is our home, and that's why we're excited to team up with Roush Fenway Racing, Nationwide driver Trevor Bayne and the #6 car. This partnership is powerful for both AdvoCare and RFR and will continue in our efforts of making AdvoCare a household name. We're looking forward to 2014." AdvoCare served as the sponsor on the #3 car of Austin Dillon the past two seasons. With Dillon making the move to full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing in 2014, the organization began the process of diligently seeking out its best option moving forward.(Roush Fenway)(8-21-2013)

Busch wins Bristol: #51-Kyle Busch won the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday night for his 3rd win of the season and 33rd of his Truck Series career. #17-Timothy Peters was second, followed by: #29-Ryan Blaney, #98-Johnny Sauter, #94-Chase Elliott, #3-Ty Dillon, #31-James Buescher, #9-Ron Hornaday, #19-Brad Keselowski and #88-Matt Crafton in the top-10. There were 5 caution flags for 32 laps, and 7 lead changes among 4 drivers. Complete results are on the Bristol race results page (pdf).(8-21-2013)

Bristol Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the 16th Annual UNOH 200, his 33rd victory in 111 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his third victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his fourth victory and sixth top-10 finish in eight races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Timothy Peters (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in nine races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his eighth top-10 finish in 2013.
Ryan Blaney (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Ryan Blaney (third) was the highest finishing rookie.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 49 points over James Buescher.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-21-2013)

Elliott to replace Buescher?: During practice coverage for the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway, FOX Sports 1 reporter Ray Dunlap reported that James Buescher may be leaving the #31 Chevy for the Nationwide Series in 2014. Dunlap continued that Chase Elliott appears to be the leading candidate to take over the ride.(8-21-2013)

Crum, Bandit Chippers team up with SS: SS Green Light Racing is pleased to partner with Jake Crum and Bandit Chippers for one of the most exciting nights of racing in all of NASCAR; the UNOH 200 under the lights at the world famous Bristol Motor Speedway. The mid-week affair will kick-off one of the most popular weeks of the racing season as all three NASCAR divisions invade the worlds fastest half-mile track and Crum will celebrate Bandit Chippers 30th Anniversary. This will be Jake's third NCWTS start of 2013 and his fourth Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Over the last ten years Crum has amassed hundreds of victories in many forms of motorsports including: karts, Bandoleros, and late models. He won the prestigious Bailey's 300 late model race at Martinsville Speedway in 2009.(SS Green Light Racing PR)(8-21-2013)

News from August 20, 2013

Carson-Newman University on the #35 at Bristol:Carson-Newman University is ready to make some noise this semester -- at Bristol Motor Speedway with an 850-horsepower Sprint Cup car. The Jefferson City, Tenn., school will make its NASCAR debut on the #35 Ford of Josh Wise at the half-mile oval in Saturday's Irwin Tools Night Race. The Front Row car will also highlight area C-N supporters Ted Russell Automotive Group, Premier Building Maintenance Corporation and Aramark. To kick off the Bristol race week, the university will play host to a NASCAR celebrity roast benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dumplin Valley. The Tuesday night event will feature a panel consisting of NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip and current drivers David Ragan, David Gilliland, Wise and Michael McDowell. Tickets can be purchased at bgcnascarcelebrityroast.eventbrite.com. Wise will appear at the speedway's Welcome Village stage on race day at 3:45 pm.(FRM), see an image of the scheme on the #35 Team Schemes page.(8-20-2013)

Ryan Truex to make Sprint Cup Series debut at Bristol: Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) development driver Ryan Truex will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at the Bristol Motor Speedway during Saturday night's 500-lap race. Truex will drive the #51 entry for Phoenix Racing. Truex signed a multi-year development deal with RPM earlier this year and the team is currently working to secure sponsorship funding. Ryan Truex, who had already been working with Phoenix Racing with opportunities earlier this year, has a long history of providing young drivers opportunities to race for their team. It was also Phoenix Racing that helped Ryan's older brother Martin Truex in the beginning stages of his career. The opportunity came for Phoenix Racing to put Ryan behind the wheel this weekend. The Mayetta, New Jersey native has two Nationwide series starts at Bristol and most recently posted a top-10 finish in the spring event in 2012. In his career, Truex made 35 Nationwide, three truck and 22 K&N East starts. He's won Championships in every full season of competition. He won the K&N Series East Championship back-to-back in 2009 and 2010. "I'm excited to make my NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Bristol," said Truex. "It has been tough waiting on the sidelines while I healed from my collarbone injury, but now I am ready to go and make my Sprint Cup Series debut. It's pretty awesome that it's coming at Bristol at the night race. This is a premier race on the Sprint Cup circuit. "To have Richard Petty Motorsports and Phoenix Racing support me in this endeavor really means a lot," continued Truex. "I'm excited for the rest of this year and my future with RPM." "The King" Richard Petty is also anxious to see the 21-year-old make his Sprint Cup debut. "It will be a big night for Ryan," said team owner Richard Petty. "He is a talented driver, and we look forward to his future with our team. We are working hard to find funding support to give him more opportunities behind the wheel."(RPM)(8-20-2013)

Bristol Notes & Facts - Tuesday:
ˇ Groundbreaking for Bristol International Speedway, as Bristol Motor Speedway was originally known, took place in 1960. The track was an exact half-mile.
ˇ First NASCAR Sprint Cup race was July 30, 1961; Jack Smith won the event (with relief from Johnny Allen).
ˇ In the fall of 1969, the track was reshaped and re-measured to .533-miles.
ˇ The name changed to Bristol International Raceway in 1978.
ˇ The first night race was held in the fall of 1978.
ˇ The surface was changed from asphalt to concrete in 1992.
ˇ The name changed to Bristol Motor Speedway in May 1996.
ˇ The track was resurfaced between races in 2007, and the turns were ground down last season to eliminate part of the progressive banking.
ˇ There have been 105 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway since the first race in 1961, two races each season.
ˇ All races have been scheduled for 500 laps, except for both races in 1976 and the second in 1977, which were 400 laps.
ˇ 422 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol; 294 in more than one.
ˇ NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty leads the series in starts at Bristol with 60. Terry Labonte leads all active drivers with 58 starts.(NASCAR)(8-20-2013)

Kasey Kahne in SportsCenter "My Wish" Series Tuesday: #5-Kasey Kahne joins stars of other sports as participants in the eighth annual ESPN SportsCenter "My Wish" series. The Hendrick Motorsports driver grants a wish on Tuesday, Aug. 20, in the 6:00pm/et edition of SportsCenter. Rylee Durham, a 12-year-old who suffers from Noonan's syndrome, gets to meet Kahne, her favorite driver, at the famous Daytona International Speedway. The summer series, which chronicles sports-themed wishes by Make-A-Wish for children with life-threatening medical conditions, is hosted by Emmy Award-winning reporter Chris Connelly, who has hosted the series since its inception in 2006. Each episode features the story behind the wish, interviews with the children and their families, a behind-the-scenes look at the wish fulfilled, and interaction between each child and their favorite athlete/team. In addition, ESPN.com will have articles surrounding each child's experience posted on the same day as the corresponding wish. Fans can join the conversation using the hashtag #MyWish. Click HERE for a preview clip of Kahne's day with Rylee.(ESPN)(8-20-2013)

McMurray says he will be back in the #1 car in 2014: #1-Jamie McMurray will return to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing next season. While it's company policy not to discuss contracts, McMurray told FOXSports.com at Michigan Speedway that "you're not going to see any changes between sponsors or drivers on the 1 team." McMurray, 37, is 16th in the Sprint Cup point standings. He has six-career Cup wins, including three in his past four years of his second stint with Chip Ganassi.(FoxSports)(8-20-2013)

Michigan TV Ratings UPDATE: NASCAR Sprint Cup series racing on ESPN for Sunday's Pure Michigan Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway averaged a 3.0/7. That's off -6% from last year's 3.2/8 for the same race.UPDATE: ESPN's live telecast of the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, Aug. 18, earned a 3.0 U.S. household rating, averaging 4,584,741 viewers, according to the Nielsen Company. The rating and viewership were down from last year's race, which earned a 3.2 U.S. rating and averaged 5,199,791 viewers. ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday, Aug. 17, earned a 0.9 U.S. rating, averaging 1,287,466 viewers. The race was an inaugural event (ESPN). See past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(8-20-2013)

Kurt Busch headed to Stewart-Haas? UPDATE 2 Zipadelli comments Stewart Haas Racing has submitted a formal offer to #78-Kurt Busch to drive a fourth Sprint Cup entry beginning in 2014, multiple NASCAR sources have confirmed to ESPN.com. The proposed deal would team Busch with team owner Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Danica Patrick in the SHR stable. Asked for confirmation Sunday, SHR spokesman Mike Arning submitted the following statement via email: "Stewart-Haas Racing constantly strives to improve itself, and expansion is something that is often discussed. If the right opportunity presents itself, it's something the team will certainly consider." Busch was unavailable for comment Sunday night. Sources said Haas/CNC would sponsor Busch's car, should he choose to sign with SHR. Busch has performed quite well this season in the #78 Chevy from Furniture Row Racing, but team sources say FRR has yet to offer him a contract extension.(ESPN)AND Sources tell FOXSports.com that Kurt Busch has been made a formal, multiyear offer to join Stewart-Haas Racing next season. The offer was made before Stewart's sprint-car accident on Aug. 5. Neither Stewart, who is recovering from a broken leg sustained in that sprint-car accident, nor Gene Haas was at the track this weekend. SHR competition director Greg Zipadelli, meanwhile, laughed at the notion. "We still have to fill the 14," Zipadelli said. However, he did not dispute that SHR has room to expand at its Concord, N.C., campus.(FoxSports)UPDATE: Responding to reports that he has a formal contract offer from Stewart Haas Racing to drive a fourth Sprint Cup entry for the organization in 2014, Busch told ESPN.com that he has multiple opportunities for next season. He did not address Stewart Haas Racing specifically though he did say nothing was signed as of Monday morning. "I've received offers from multiple teams," Busch said. "This isn't a decision I'm taking lightly. I'm looking at what teams have planned long term and want to be in a place where my opinion and input is valued. I like to be involved in the process like I have been here at Furniture Row. At the same time, I was hoping to not have this distraction while working with my guys to get us in the Chase."(ESPN)(8-19-2013)UPDATE 2: Greg Zipadelli, Competition Director of Stewart-Haas Racing and Mark Martin, interim driver for the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS, were guests on this week's NASCAR teleconference. The transcript in part:Q.) Zippy, I just wanted to see if you had any comment on Lee Spencer's report that SHR had offered Kurt Busch a deal for next year beyond a possible expansion?GREG ZIPADELLI: I mean, right now we're really focusing on Mark. Obviously there's options out there. We're looking at everything that's there. There is nothing done. Right now like I said we're focused on the 39, trying to win another race to make it into the Chase and getting Mark fitted up in this car and heading to Bristol to do the best job we can.Q.) For Greg, obviously there will be a lot of reports and whatnot moving ahead, not knowing what 2014 will hold, and are you talking to drivers still now, other drivers beyond the story and the talk in the garage about Kurt Busch?GREG ZIPADELLI: No, not at all. Like I said, we've got two big things going on here right now with the 39 having an opportunity to make the Chase and getting Mark Martin over here, get him acclimated with the guys and how we do things and heading to Bristol. We'll take it week by week.Q.) You talked about you're focused on the 14 and getting the 39 in the Chase, but obviously with the report of the possible expansion, certainly in your role as competition director you're looking short-term and long-term. You talked earlier this season about the challenges of going from a two-car to three-car operation and how that maybe slowed you guys up in performance. What are the lessons you learned and how do you avoid that if you go from a three-car to a four-car organization and not have those same problems?GREG ZIPADELLI: Well, there's lessons to be learned. We're not to that point yet. Right now we are a three-car. We have made lots of gains throughout the year, but I still think we have room to improve. We're still working on that. Obviously if something were to come, we would look at where we feel like we fell short and try to do a better job at it.(Team Chevy)(8-20-2013)

Allmendinger just testing the #55: AJ Allmendinger will test the #55 Toyota for Brian Vickers this week at Richmond International Raceway. Vickers had scheduled a previous engagement and will be unable to make the session.(FoxSports)(8-20-2013)

Crew Member Suspended Due To Violation Of NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy: Eric Maycroft, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series [#56 MWR], has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's Substance Abuse Policy. On Aug. 16, Maycroft was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(8-20-2013)

Some Pit Crew Changes: Last week Pit Talks posted a list of all the changes on pit road since the beginning of the season. Since then there have been a few more major changes to Chase contending teams. Here are the changes known:
#29Rear Carrier Aaron Schields has been replaced by Ethan Marquette.
#24Rear Carrier Gene Cornwell is out with injury and is replaced by Jody Fortson.
#99Front Changer Corey Baldwin is changing places with Mike Lingerfelt on the #17.
#56Front Changer Eric Maycroft is replaced by Terry Spalding.
All these changes are important because all of them are either in the Chase or on the bubble to make the chase. Changing teams this late in the season can prove to be very productive or simply slow the process down.(Pit Talks and see Jayski's 2013 Pit Crew Chart)(8-20-2013)

Saturday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Race to Air on Alternate Channels in Seven Markets: NASCAR fans in seven affected markets will watch ABC's telecast of Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on alternate channels through arrangements made by their local ABC affiliates. The ABC affiliates in the seven markets will be airing NFL preseason games Saturday night rather than the NASCAR race but with the alternate channels in each market, the race telecast will still be available nationwide. ABC's coverage begins with NASCAR Countdown at 7:00pm/et with the race's green flag at 7:44 pm. In six of the seven markets, the race telecast will air on ESPN and several of the ABC affiliates also will air the race on their Digital Tier channels. In Columbus, Ohio, the race will air on local station WWHO-TV. Also, ABC affiliates in Buffalo, Charlotte, N.C., and Rochester, N.Y., will join either NASCAR Countdown or the race telecast in progress following the conclusion of a 4:30 p.m. ET game between the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins. The Rochester station will air NASCAR Countdown and the race on its Digital Tier channel until the game ends. NASCAR Countdown will be pre-empted by local news in Little Rock, Ark., and Tyler, Tex., but both ABC affiliates will air the race telecast.The affected markets:Buffalo ABC affiliate WKBW-TV will join either NASCAR Countdown or the race in progress following 4:30 p.m. Buffalo-Washington game.Charlotte, NC ABC affiliate WSOC-TV will join either NASCAR Countdown or the race in progress following 4:30 p.m. Buffalo-Washington game.Columbus, Ohio NASCAR Countdown and race will air on local station WWHO-TV.Dayton, Ohio NASCAR Countdown and race will air on ESPN and on Digital Tier 2 channel of ABC affiliate WKEF-TV.Nashville, TN NASCAR Countdown and race will air on ESPN.Philadelphia NASCAR Countdown and race will air on ESPN and on Digital Tier 2 channel of ABC affiliate WPVI-TV.Phoenix NASCAR Countdown and race will air on ESPN and Digital Tier 2 channel of ABC affiliate KNXV-TV.Rochester, NY -- ABC affiliate WHAM-TV will air NASCAR Countdown on its Digital Tier 2 channel and will join in progress on its main channel following 4:30 p.m. Buffalo-Washington game.St. Joseph, MO NASCAR Countdown and race will air on ESPN.Weslaco, TX NASCAR Countdown and race will air on ESPN and Digital Tier 2 channel of ABC affiliate KRGV.(ESPN)

Reed to run special diabetes scheme at Phoenix: Diabetes doesn't stop. It is 24/7, 365 days a year. To showcase the extraordinary effort it takes to live a day with the disease, the American Diabetes Association, since Oct. 1, 2012, has uploaded thousands of photos to the Association's Facebook mosaic to create a bigger picture of what the disease means to people affected by diabetes, creating and capturing "A Day in the Life of Diabetes." The Association will continue to ask people to submit a personal image to the Association's Facebook mosaic representing what A Day in the Life of Diabetes means to them. To make the mosaic more impactful this year, Ryan Reed will showcase the mosaic on the #16 Drive to Stop Diabetes (D2SD) Roush Fenway Racing Ford Mustang. The NASCAR Nationwide Series car will be wrapped with photos from the mosaic, and will be featured at Phoenix International Raceway November 9th, 2013 during American Diabetes Month. The Drive to Stop Diabetes cars will feature 18,000 photos, including a race simulator that will be onsite at PIR.(), see an image of the car on the #16 team paint schemes page.(8-20-2013)

Mid-Ohio TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday, Aug. 17, earned a 0.9 U.S. rating, averaging 1,287,466 viewers. The race was an inaugural event.(ESPN)(8-20-2013)

American Ethanol sponsoring Kenny Wallace: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard, and driver Kenny Wallace are proud to announce a partnership with American Ethanol for Wallace's 897th NASCAR start at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, August 23rd. This will mark the first NASCAR Nationwide Series race in 2013 that American Ethanol will be the primary sponsor on the #29 of Kenny Wallace. American Ethanol launched by Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association along with the support of other partners, is a breakthrough brand that seeks to expand consumer awareness of the benefits and availability of ethanol and E15. (RAB Racing), see an image of the car on the #29 team paint schemes page.(8-20-2013)

Cole Whitt in the #10 at Bristol:Cole Whitt will pilot the #10 Gold Bond Toyota Camry for Friday night's Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Whitt, who typically shares seat time in the #44 for TriStar Motorsports, will make his fourth start at the "World's Fastest Half Mile". The Food City 250 will be Whitt's third race having Gold Bond, the No. 1 selling medicated body powder brand, as his primary sponsor.(TriStar Motorsports)(8-20-2013)

Sadler to honor Jack Ingram at Richmond: Elliott Sadler and the #11 OneMain Financial team will run a special paint scheme at the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 6, 2013. The throwback paint scheme will honor NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Jack Ingram, two-time Nationwide Series champion and commemorate the 1,000th Nationwide Series event. "I am honored to be part of such a great initiative," said Sadler. "I view this as a tribute to a legend, Jack Ingram. This brings together so many things. The history of the sport, past and current drivers, the importance of the car number to fans and sponsors, and above all, one of the highest honors a driver can have: to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame." The #11 OneMain Financial paint scheme will pay tribute to the #11 car Ingram drove to two Nationwide Series championships in 1982 and 1985. Sadler will also sport a fire suit to pay homage to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee.(Joe Gibbs Racing), see an image of the car on the #11 team paint schemes page.(8-20-2013)

McClure hospitalized; Green in the #14 UPDATES: Due to an undisclosed illness that has left Eric McClure hospitalized, he will be sidelined for Saturday's inaugural race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. In McClure's absence, Jeff Green, former NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion and teammate to McClure at TriStar Motorsports, will pilot the #14 Hefty/Reynolds Toyota during the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200. McClure's status on returning to competition is week to week.
(TMI)(8-14-2013) (8-17-2013)UPDATE: Team McClure, Inc. announced that Jeff Green will pilot the #14 Hefty/Reynolds Toyota during Friday night's Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The team's regular driver, Eric McClure, was admitted to a local hospital on August 12 and was diagnosed with acute renal failure after a series of tests. The Virginia driver's creatinine levels were elevated, signaling improper kidney function. McClure is still receiving treatment, but is hopeful to be released from the hospital this week. His status remains week to week. McClure said, "This has been a very challenging week for me, both physically and emotionally. Having a newborn and four other little girls, among other things, has also presented a challenge to my family. Recovery can be a slow and frustrating process, but thankfully we are seeing signs of healing. I can't thank everyone enough for all of the prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes during this difficult time and I can't wait to be back behind the wheel of the Hefty/Reynolds Camry."(TMI)(8-20-2013)UPDATE 2; Eric McClure tweeted an update Tuesday afternoon, "Going home today. Thanks everyone 4 all the kind words. Not sure how much more my family can take, but thankful 4 the blessings God gives. I'm so ready to be with Miranda and the girls. So many people involved this wk w/helping diagnose/treat & and i appreciate them so much. Finally, fans/race community well wishes have been truly humbling. So proud to be part of NASCAR world. Going 2 b a bit but I WILL BE BACK."(8-20-2012)

Kennedy set for debut: Ben Kennedy will attempt to make his first career start in one of NASCAR's top-three national series this Wednesday, August 21 at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). Kennedy, a 21-year-old Daytona Beach, Fla. native and University of Florida senior, will attempt to qualify for his firstNASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in the UNOH 200 at BMS. Kennedy's No. 96 truck entry is not locked-in on owner's points and he will have to qualify his way into the race on time. While Kennedy is attempting to make his first career start in the NCWTS at BMS, he's no stranger to the 0.533-mile concrete oval. He's made two starts at the track in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (2012, 2013). Kennedy completed all laps and finished in the top 10 in both of the races.(Hi-Rev Racing PR)(8-20-2013)

Kennon director of competition at SGR: Gere Kennon was named Sharp-Gallaher Racing's director of competition this week and will oversee the organization's Camping World Truck Series, ARCA Racing Series and Late Model programs. Kennon brings over 30 years of experience across all three of NASCAR's premier series, including two NASCAR Nationwide Series championships with the legendary Sam Ard.(Sharp-Gallaher Racing PR)(8-20-2013)

Bristol Transporter Parade to be held on Thursday, August 22nd: Led by grand marshal, 91-year-old World War II veteran Leo Walsh, the 16th annual Ford Transporter Parade offers fans the chance to witness NASCAR's heavy haulers carry their favorite race cars toward the Last Great Colosseum. On Thursday, August 22, thousands will line the 10-mile parade route to watch the cars arrive in style. Starting at 9:00pm/et from the Bristol Mall and culminating with drivers expertly parking their rig inside the World's Fastest Half Mile, children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children's Miracle Network as well as veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project accompany the transporters on this year's journey. Prior to the start of the parade, fans can visit the Bristol Mall parking lot for an up-close look at the haulers and meet those who drive the mammoth machines. Those wishing to watch the rigs reach their final destination can do so from the BMS grandstands, gaining access through Gate 10 at 9:00pm/et. Tickets are available for all three nights of racing at BMS in August. Race week begins Wednesday, Aug. 21 with a doubleheader featuring the UNOH 200 Camping World Truck Series race and the TitanRoof 150 Whelen Modified event. Tickets for the IRWIN Tools Night race and the NNS and Truck Series races by visiting www.bristoltix.com or call (855) 580-5525.(BMS)(8-20-2013)

Hank Williams Jr. Headlines Bristol Motor Speedway Pre-Race Show: Intensity tends to get turned up a notch when all the rowdy friends show up at Bristol Motor Speedway in August, and it is just got a little rowdier. Guests at the Last Great Colosseum do not have to wait for the green flag to drop on the IRWIN Tools Night Race for rollicking good time; August 24 the tone is set early with powerhouse performer Hank Williams, Jr., rocking the pre-race concert presented by the NRA. With an array of familiar hits, the Grammy-award winning artist is primed to excite the crowd before one of NASCAR's most-anticipated events. Tickets for the IRWIN Tools Night race and the NNS and Truck Series races by visiting www.bristoltix.com or call (855) 580-5525.(BMS)(8-20-2013)

AMS Ticket Office Hours Extended: The "Biggest Labor Day Party in the USA" is fast approaching with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 and the NASCAR Nationwide Series Great Clips / Grit Chips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway August 30 to September 1. To better server customers purchasing event tickets and camping spaces, the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office has extended ticket office hours through the AdvoCare 500 on Sunday, September 1. The extended ticket office hours are: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. During race weekend, the ticket office will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Great Ticket Options Still Available and Fan Experience Upgrades, For more information, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com or call the AMS Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX or (770) 946-4211.(AMS)(8-20-2013)

News from August 19, 2013

Entry List for the Irwin Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #14-Mark Martin, #55-Vickers, #51-Ryan Truex (debut), #40-Raines, #19-Bliss, #32-Schrader, #95-Speed. #40-Raines has to get in by speed and be in the top 36 in speed as the team is too far down the owners points list to use a provisional.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Bristol Entry List

Kurt Busch headed to Stewart-Haas? UPDATE 2 Zipadelli comments Stewart Haas Racing has submitted a formal offer to #78-Kurt Busch to drive a fourth Sprint Cup entry beginning in 2014, multiple NASCAR sources have confirmed to ESPN.com. The proposed deal would team Busch with team owner Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Danica Patrick in the SHR stable. Asked for confirmation Sunday, SHR spokesman Mike Arning submitted the following statement via email: "Stewart-Haas Racing constantly strives to improve itself, and expansion is something that is often discussed. If the right opportunity presents itself, it's something the team will certainly consider." Busch was unavailable for comment Sunday night. Sources said Haas/CNC would sponsor Busch's car, should he choose to sign with SHR. Busch has performed quite well this season in the #78 Chevy from Furniture Row Racing, but team sources say FRR has yet to offer him a contract extension.(ESPN)AND Sources tell FOXSports.com that Kurt Busch has been made a formal, multiyear offer to join Stewart-Haas Racing next season. The offer was made before Stewart's sprint-car accident on Aug. 5. Neither Stewart, who is recovering from a broken leg sustained in that sprint-car accident, nor Gene Haas was at the track this weekend. SHR competition director Greg Zipadelli, meanwhile, laughed at the notion. "We still have to fill the 14," Zipadelli said. However, he did not dispute that SHR has room to expand at its Concord, N.C., campus.(FoxSports)UPDATE: Responding to reports that he has a formal contract offer from Stewart Haas Racing to drive a fourth Sprint Cup entry for the organization in 2014, Busch told ESPN.com that he has multiple opportunities for next season. He did not address Stewart Haas Racing specifically though he did say nothing was signed as of Monday morning. "I've received offers from multiple teams," Busch said. "This isn't a decision I'm taking lightly. I'm looking at what teams have planned long term and want to be in a place where my opinion and input is valued. I like to be involved in the process like I have been here at Furniture Row. At the same time, I was hoping to not have this distraction while working with my guys to get us in the Chase."(ESPN)(8-19-2013)

Stewart Out for Remainder of 2013 Season; Martin in for 12 races; Dillon one: Tony Stewart is out for the remainder of the 2013 season after suffering a broken right tibia and fibula in a sprint car crash Aug. 5 at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Stewart, a three-time Sprint Cup champion, is expected to return to the seat of the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in time for pre-season testing in January 2014. In the interim, Mark Martin will drive the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevy Aug. 23-24 at Bristol and in 11 other races. Austin Dillon, who filled in for Stewart this past weekend at Michigan and finished 14th in his 10th career Sprint Cup start, will drive the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevy Oct. 18-20 at Talladega.
"After consulting with Tony's doctors and speaking with Tony, we agreed it was best for him to focus on his recovery," said Greg Zipadelli, competition director, SHR. "For the No. 14 team, our focus is on positioning them for a run at the owner championship. Mark Martin and Austin Dillon give us the best opportunity to do that, and we certainly appreciate Michael Waltrip Racing and Richard Childress Racing for making Mark and Austin available to us."
"Obviously, I'm disappointed to be out of the Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevy for so long, but the team is in very good hands with Mark Martin and Austin Dillon," Stewart said. "Mark is someone I've looked up to my entire career and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. Austin is a great young talent, and he showed that Sunday at Michigan. Greg Zipadelli, Steve Addington (crew chief) and everybody at SHR supports them 100 percent. This isn't a situation anyone wanted, but we're going to make the best of it. In the meantime, my focus is on getting healthy and getting back into my Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevy."
The #14 team is 13th in [owner] points, 10 out of the top-10 and 160 behind the series-leading #48 team of Hendrick Motorsports. The #14 team is first in line to grab one of the two wild-card positions for the 12-team [Owners] Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.(SHR)(8-19-2013)

Vickers to drive the #55 in 12 of final 13 races: Michael Waltrip Racing announced Monday that Brian Vickers will drive the team's #55 Toyota in 12 of the 13 races remaining in the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The announcement follows the mutual decision by MWR and Aaron's Inc. to grant Mark Martin an early release, enabling him to replace the injured #14-Tony Stewart. Vickers was originally scheduled to drive three of the remaining races in 2013. The announcement increases that schedule to 12. Michael Waltrip, MWR founder and co-owner, will race the #55 at Talladega on Oct. 20 as originally scheduled. The move gives the 29-year-old Vickers an early start to his full-time role in the #55. Last week Aaron's and MWR announced Vickers will drive the Aaron's Dream Machine full-time beginning in 2014. Aaron's thanked Martin for his work behind the wheel and with its customers and employees in the last two seasons. Aaron's featured Waltrip and Martin in several national television commercials.(MWR)(8-19-2013)

Montoya back to Indycars...with Andretti? Michael Andretti is trying to find a sponsor to bring #42-Juan Pablo Montoya back to IndyCar with Andretti Autosport. "I have talked to Juan about IndyCar and told him 'Hell yeah, let's find a way to put something together,' " Andretti told The Associated Press on Monday. "I've driven against him and I think he's one of the best drivers I've ever driven against. It just comes down to sponsorship. So we're looking, and if it's a possibility, we want to do something with him." Andretti only had conversations with Montoya last week after the Colombian learned from Chip Ganassi that he wouldn't be re-signed to Ganassi's NASCAR team for an eighth season. Montoya has been out of open wheel racing since he left Formula One in 2006 to rejoin Ganassi in NASCAR, and he's not ruling out any series now that he's looking for work. He told AP on Monday a return to IndyCar isn't out of the question, but wouldn't reveal what teams he's spoken to so far.(Associated Press)(8-19-2013)

Ty Dillon to move to #3 NNS ride in 2014, Austin to move to Cup in 2014?: Richard Childress Racing has partnered with D.G Yuengling & Son to be a primary sponsor on the #3 Yuengling Light Lager Chevrolet with driver Ty Dillon during the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. As part of their 185th anniversary of brewing great lager, America's oldest operating brewery will be the primary sponsor on the RCR Chevrolet Camaro for eight races of the 2014 schedule. Yuengling Light Lager will be a key partner as Dillon moves full time to the Nationwide Series next season. Dillon is currently competing for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship and has one victory to his credit this season (RCR). Looks like Ty is replacing Austin Dillon in the #3 NNS Chevy. This move kind of strengthens the rumors that Austin Dillon supposedly move up to the Sprint Cup Series in 2014, driving a car for Richard Childress Racing. Rumors have Childress bring back the #3 with Austin Dillon driving, either replacing Kevin Harvick in the #29 and changing to the #3 or as a fourth Cup team in 2014.(8-19-2013)

Michigan Race and Commercial Breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 1:02 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 4:08 PM (all times are EST). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 97
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 47
Number of times ESPN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 32
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 4 min. 10 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:02 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 4:08 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 135
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 51
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of 'mystery cautions' (cause not shown): 1
Total race brdcst time 135 Total comm. brdcst time 51
See past races, links, more info on the 2013 TV Commercials page.(8-19-2013)

Sad News - Floyd Ganassi: Statement from Chip Ganassi Racing Teams on the Passing of Floyd Ganassi: "It is with heavy hearts that everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing Teams offers our condolences to Chip Ganassi and the whole Ganassi family on the passing today of Chip's father, Floyd Ganassi. Everyone that knew Floyd knew that he was beloved at racetracks all across the country and leaves a long trail of great friends. Floyd Ganassi will be sorely missed by us all." Information on arrangements will be forthcoming.(CGR)(8-19-2013)

Bristol Nationwide Entry List:There are 49 cars on the preliminary entry list for Friday's Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway. A few notes:
Cole Whitt is in the #10 for Tri-Star Motorsports;
Jeff Green moves to the #91;
The #14 driver is TBA as Eric McClure's status is still unknown;
Ryan Reed returns to the Roush #16;
Drew Herring will drive the #18 for JGR;
Brendan Gaughan is in the RCR #21;
Kenny Wallace returns to the RAB #29;
Ty Dillon will drive the RCR #31;
The Mike Harmon #74 is TBA;
Kevin Lepage will drive the Deware #86;
The #90 is TBA.(8-19-2013)
See the complete list on the Bristol entry list page.

Ty Dillon moving to Nationwide in 2014: Richard Childress Racing has partnered with D.G Yuengling & Son to be a primary sponsor on the #3 Yuengling Light Lager Chevy with driver Ty Dillon during the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. As part of their 185th anniversary of brewing great lager, America's oldest operating brewery will be the primary sponsor on the RCR Chevy Camaro for eight races of the 2014 schedule. Yuengling Light Lager will be a key partner as Dillon moves full time to the Nationwide Series next season.(RCR)(8-19-2013)

Austin Dillon filling in for Stewart at Talladega: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart is out for the remainder of the 2013 season after suffering a broken right tibia and fibula in a sprint car crash Aug. 5 at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa. In the interim, Mark Martin will drive the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet Aug. 23-24 at Bristol Motor Speedway and in 11 other races. Austin Dillon, the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion who filled in for Stewart this past weekend at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn and finished 14th in his 10th career Sprint Cup start, will drive the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevy Oct. 18-20 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.(Stewart Haas Racing)(8-19-2013)

Tryson takes over as Piquet's crew chief? UPDATE 2: Pat Tryson is taking on crew chief duties for Nelson Piquet Jr. and the #30 Nationwide Series team at Turner Scott Motorsports. Tryson most recently worked for BK Racing with David Reutimann and the #83 team, but the veteran crew chief has an extensive motorsports resume that includes eight career wins during his tenure at Roush Fenway Racing with Mark Martin and Penske Racing with Kurt Busch. Tryson replaces Chris Carrier, who led Piquet to two wins and a career-high finish of seventh in the truck series in 2012. However, this season Piquet has not shown the same promise in the Nationwide Series. In 20 starts, Piquet has produced just two top-10 finishes. Carrier was reassigned to work with Ben Kennedy, the 21-year-old great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France. Kennedy will race at Bristol in the truck series Aug. 21.(Fox Sports)(8-8-2013)UPDATE: The story has been pulled from the Fox Sports site.(8-9-2013)UPDATE 2: Turner Scott Motorsports announced today that the team has named Pat Tryson as crew chief for the #30 NASCAR Nationwide Series entry. Tryson will take over the crew chief duties for Nelson Piquet Jr. starting in the August 23 race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Tryson, a NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series veteran has served as crew chief for 516 events, earning a total of 10 wins, 66 top-five, 139-top 10s and four poles throughout the three series. The Malvern, Pa. native earned his first career win with Elliott Sadler in 2001 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Chris Carrier will serve as crew chief for Ben Kennedy in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Bristol on August 21 and will take over crew chief duties for a fourth entry for Turner Scott Motorsports. The fourth truck will run a limited schedule for the remainder of the season.(TSM)(8-19-2013)

Entry list: There are 37 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Wednesday's UNOH200 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The initial entry list shows 35, but the #10 of Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing and the #60 of Turn One Racing are a few of the expected late adds. The #84 usually driven by Mike Harmon is also not on the preliminary list. The #5 of Wauters Motorsports entered Tim George, Jr., but last week the team released a statement that he would be out of the ride for multiple races. Some other notes include:
Brad Keselowski in the #19;
Kyle Busch in the #51;
Ken Schrader in the #52;
Newcomers Brandon Jones in the #33; Nate Monteith in the #45; Ben Kennedy in the #96;
Matt McCall may be in the #92, but the entry is initially listed as Scott Riggs;UPDATE: McCall has been confirmed in the 92;UPDATE 2: Mike Harmon has been added in the #84; (8-19-2013)UPDATE 3: Tyler Young has been added in the #02; B J McLeod added in the #78; Jake Crum moves into the #07;(8-19-2013)
See the complete list on the Bristol entry list page

Senica joins Harmon developement program: Professional Wrestler Mike Flyte aka race driver Mike Senica has
partnered up with Mike Harmon Motorsports driver development for
2013 through 2014. Senica brings sponsorship from Bell Plantation, Damn Good
Jerky and BlueO4. He has been racing in the ARCA Racing Series and
ARCA Truck Series over the past three years. Senica will be making his
debut for Mike Harmon Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck
Series at a short track in 2014.(Mike Senica PR)(8-19-2013)

Carrier to guide Kennedy for TSM: Turner Scott Motorsports announced today that the team has named Chris Carrier as crew chief of the team's fourth NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entry. Carrier, a NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and NCWTS veteran, has served as crew chief for 329 events throughout the three series, earning five wins, 24 top fives, 52 top 10s and seven poles. Carrier's most recent work in the NCWTS includes serving as crew chief on the #30 last season, leading Nelson Piquet Jr. to two wins, nine top fives, 15 top 10s and four poles. The Tennessee native earned his first career win with Harry Gant in 1994 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The team will run a limited schedule for the remaining portion of the year with Ben Kennedy and Cale Gale behind the wheel.
Carrier and his TSM team will be at Bristol Motor Speedway Wednesday night providing support for Ben Kennedy Racing's #96 entry in the Titan Roof 150. Carrier will also be on the pit box and calling the shots for the #96 at Iowa, Chicago, Martinsville and Homestead-Miami Speedway.(Turner Scott Motorsports PR)(8-19-2013)

News from August 18, 2013

Logano wins Michigan:#22-Joey Logano won the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway for his 1st win of 2013 and 3rd career win. It is Logano's first win in 44 races, since Pocono in June 2012. Logano also led the most laps with 52 led of 200.
It is the first win for Logano's crew chief, Todd Gordon. Logano becomes the youngest Sprint Cup Series race winner at Michigan at 23 years, 2 months, 24 days. The previous youngest winner was Kurt Busch, 24 years, 10 months, 11 days on 6/15/2003.
#29-Harvick finished 2nd followed by #78-Busch, #27-Menard, #15-Bowyer, #9-Ambrose, #5-Kahne, #31-Burton, #16-Biffle & #99-Edwards.
Austin Dillon finished 14th in the #14 Chevy. Points leader #48-Johnson, who started from the rear in a backup car, led three laps but lost an engine on lap 54, finishing 40th. Chase drivers #18-Busch & #88-Earnhardt Jr. wrecked, with the #18 finishing 31st and the #88 finishing 36th.
There were 20 lead changes among 13 drivers and 9 cautions for 34 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 144.593. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Michigan Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Michigan Penalty Report (pdf).(8-18-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Michigan:
#22-Joey Logano won the 44th Annual Pure Michigan 400 , his third victory in 170 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and 12th top-10 finish in 2013. His last victory came at Pocono on June 10, 2012, 44 starts ago.
Logano won from the Coors Light Pole. Two of his three career wins have now come from the pole.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in ten races at Michigan International Speedway.
#29-Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 26 races at Michigan International Speedway. It is his 12th top-10 finish in 2013.
#78-Kurt Busch (third) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 26 races at Michigan International Speedway.
#48-Jimmie Johnson leads the point standings by 41 points over Clint Bowyer.(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-18-2013)

2013 Sprint Cup Chase Wild Card Standings:
[after Michigan, race 23 of 36]Current Wild Cards:
WC1) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 11th in points (4 points out of 10th)
WC2) #56-Truex Jr. [1 win], 12th in pts (10 out of 10th)other wild card contenders
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 13th in pts (17 out of 10th)
#39-Ryan Newman [1 win] 15th in pts (27 out of 10th)
#14-Tony Stewart [1 win] 18th in pts (69 out of 10th)
#24-Jeff Gordon 14th in pts (26 out of 10th)
#1-Jamie McMurray 16th in pts (41 out of 10th)
#27-Paul Menard 17th in pts (64 out of 10th)
#43-Aric Almirola 19th in pts (76 out of 10th)
#31-Jeff Burton 20th in pts (102 out of 10th)
#34-David Ragan [1 win] 26th in pts (243 out of 10th)
The top-10 drivers will make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Positions 11 and 12 in the 12-driver Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup are Wild Cards, and will go to drivers outside the top 10 with the most wins, as long as they are ranked in the top 20 in points. If multiple drivers outside the top 10 tie for wins, the tie-breaker will go to the race winner with the highest points position.
(ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd place finishes, etc)
See wild card standings on the Unofficial Wildcard Standings page (pdf).(8-18-2013)

#48-Johnson's engine fails early at Michigan: #48-Jimmie Johnson, sidelined in the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway with an engine failure on lap 54, was interviewed after, the transcript:Q) SOME EARLY PIT STOPS, BUT THEN APPARENTLY AN ENGINE PROBLEM WHAT HAPPENED?Johnson: "Yeah, we were just putting ourselves in position for later in the race with those early stops. Then we had an issue there with the engine as I came out of the pits and got back up to speed dropped a couple of cylinders. We were trying to get it figured out and see what would happen. On my way into the pits it finally locked up and that's the end of it. Unfortunate day, but I'm happy that we have had such a strong opening part of the season and we have points on our side and some wins on side so we are not in jeopardy of anything going into the Chase."Q) DO YOU EVER JUST SHAKE YOUR HEAD AND WONDER IF THIS PLACE HAS IT IN FOR YOU?Johnson: "It does. It's going to make it all the sweeter when we are able to win."Q) ONCE AGAIN AT MICHIGAN YOUR DAY IS OVER EARLY. I SAW YOU TALKING TO THE ENGINEERS, WHAT DID THEY SAY WENT WRONG?Johnson: "The engine broke there. I guess when we came in for a green flag pit stop something started then and made it a few more laps and didn't really notice anything off. Then it finally dropped a cylinder or two down the backstretch. Definitely an unfortunate thing but we had plenty of speed in the car and I think we were going to be a factor with this Kobalt Tools Chevrolet."Q) WERE YOU GUYS MAYBE TRYING SOMETHING NEW FOR THE CHASE? Johnson: "Not that I am aware of. You know, this track is hard on engines and these guys will figure out what went on there. Days like today, I am thankful for the big point's lead that we have and the bonus points we have been able to accumulate to get us to this position for the Chase. It happens and I hope to get all this stuff out of the way now although I hate losing momentum going into the Chase. It's nice to roll in there hot and I think we had a chance to win today. We will dust ourselves off and go again next week."Q) CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH WHAT HAPPENED? WHAT DID YOU FEEL?Johnson: "Coming down the back straightaway I felt it drop a couple of cylinders and knew we were in trouble. So brought it to pit road and unfortunately it finally broke all the way and locked up. It would be nice to have salvaged something and maybe pulled the down cylinder parts out you know the valve train parts out and get back out on the track, but the engine didn't live long enough once it broke. These things break pretty quick and that was the end of it."Q) IS THAT THE ENGINE THAT YOU HAD IN THE PRIMARY CAR?Johnson: "I am not 100% sure, but Jamie Little (ESPN Anchor) just said that it was a new engine and it wasn't the one in the primary, but I don't know for sure."Q) ARE YOU AT ALL WORRIED THAT AS GOOD AS A SEASON YOU ARE HAVING LIKE WEIRD THINGS KEEP HAPPENING TO YOU EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE THAT COULD CARRY OVER INTO THE CHASE AT ALL?Johnson: "When I look back most of it is self-inflicted. Even though it's an engine failure we will be able to trace back why and what. Human hands are on these things assembling them and it could be in that or it could have been a simple part failure. The bulk of the stuff has been human error. I'm not overly concerned. I hate having momentum not work in our favor late in the regular season. I think we would have had a very strong race today if not a win. That momentum is key rolling into the Chase. That is the biggest downfall to me."(Team Chevy)(8-18-2013)

Deal could put Martin in #14 seat UPDATE: A deal is in the works that would offer Brian Vickers more seat time in the #55 Aaron's Toyota and allow Mark Martin to pursue the opportunity to drive the #14 for the injured Tony Stewart. On Saturday, multiple sources told Fox Sports that Toyota offered Martin its blessing in order to enable Vickers who was named the full-time driver of the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Camry on Tuesday additional races to gel with the team. Vickers is currently racing for the Nationwide Series championship with Joe Gibbs Racing. He is fifth in the NNS point standings. Before SHR inquired on Martin's behalf, the plan was for Vickers to race at Bristol, Martinsville and New Hampshire, where he raced last month. Team owner Michael Waltrip is scheduled to drive the #55 at Talladega. Martin originally was signed up for the balance of races. Certainly, MWR and Aaron's would have to sign off on Martin before SHR can green light the deal. If everything goes according to plan, he could be part of SHR's roster announcement expected late Monday.(FoxSports)(8-18-2013)UPDATE: Michael Waltrip Racing and its sponsors are still trying to decide whether Mark Martin can replace the injured Tony Stewart in his #14 Chevy. If Martin leaves MRW to fill in for Stewart, Brian Vickers would complete the season in MWR's #55 Toyota, which he currently shares with Martin. MWR Executive Vice President Ty Norris declined comment Sunday morning on the status of the negotiations, while team co-owner Michael Waltrip said nothing had changed as far as Martin's situation. SHR officials also had no comment (Sporting News)(8-18-2013)

Is Larson ready for a Cup ride? With Juan Pablo Montoya exiting the #42 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevy at the end of the season, speculation has quickly turned to potential replacements. Kyle Larson, 21, is under contract to the organization for eight years, but from an experience standpoint, he has less than one full season of NASCAR Nationwide Series racing under his belt. The way #48-Jimmie Johnson sees it, that may not be a big issue -- and Johnson ought to know. After learning the sport with limited success in NASCAR Nationwide cars, Johnson made the jump to NASCAR Sprint Cup and has dominated that division in terms of race wins and titles since he joined the series full-time in 2002. "When you look at Kyle's background (Sprint Cars), he's driving cars with far more power than grip," Johnson said before Friday's practice. "I think the Cup car will suit his style far better than a Nationwide car. But you do need that foundation of knowing these tracks, because when we show up, our fastest lap we'll run all weekend will probably be our first lap right now. And if Kyle Larson wants to go to Cup next year, that's tough to do. He's going to need the whole session to get where he needs to, and then you're five or six adjustments behind the fast guys."(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-18-2013)

NASCAR After The Lap returns to Las Vegas: NASCAR After The Lap sponsored by Ford and Coca-Cola will return to Las Vegas for the fifth consecutive year. NASCAR After the Lap has become a favorite event of both fans and drivers during NASCAR's annual celebration of its season, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week. This year's event will take place at the Pearl Palms Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Hotel on Thursday, December 5 at 5:00pm/pt.
NASCAR fans are invited to "Buckle Up" when all 12 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers show off their distinctive personalities and interact with their loyal fan base. Impromptu questions and unexpected requests deliver memorable moments such as Denny Hamlin performing the "Dougie" on stage or a NASCAR produced Gangnam Style video that set the crowd abuzz and generated spirited conversation across social media.
NASCAR fans can enter the NASCAR After The Lap sweepstakes by visiting www.NASCARafterthelap.com up until November 17. This is the biggest giveaway ever for the NASCAR After The Lap sweepstakes, providing two winners an all-inclusive VIP trip for them and a guest to NASCAR After The Lap in Las Vegas and either one trip to the 2014 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway or one trip to the 2014 Ford Ecoboost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. One lucky winner will also be taking home the ultimate grand prize a 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor.
Tickets for the event will go on sale September 16 and are priced at $20 apiece. All ticket sale proceeds benefit The NASCAR Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that raises funds to support children's charities and important causes throughout the nation. Fans can visit NASCARafterthelap.com to purchase tickets. For fans unable to attend NASCAR After The Lap, NASCAR.com will offer a live stream of the event.(NASCAR)(8-18-2013)

Congrats to the Hornish's: Sam Hornish Jr. got emotional when discussing the Nationwide Series' debut at Mid-Ohio in the first Nationwide Children's Hospital 200. Hornish, who comes from roughly 2 hours away to the northwest in Defiance, Ohio, didn't previously know about the hospital's work with seriously sick, burned, ill and injured kids until he became involved in the race. Active in his own charity, Hornish said the good work of the people at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus really touched home with him because, as he put it, "I'm a father of two daughters, with another (child) on the way." Asked later if he was officially revealing his wife's pregnancy, he laughed and said, "We've told a few people. We didn't exactly issue a news release." Officially or unofficially, the Hornishes are expecting in February.(AP)(8-18-2013)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway have been made.
Pole sitter #22-Logano chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #78-Busch took pit stall 23, the first pit stall in front of it.
#48-Johnson, who starts 3rd took the 38th pit stall, the 2nd stall with an opening in front of it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #55-Martin, starts 4th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-17-2013)

Happy Hour practice for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#48-Johnson 199.457 (but wrecked, to a backup car, which was 18th fastest)
#42-Montoya 198.758
#16-Biffle 198.725
#78-Busch 198.451
#24-Gordon 198.446
slowest: #87-Nemecehk 189.399 & #33-Cassill 192.750
no speed: #98-Sauter, #35-Wise.
notes: #48-Johnson wrecked late in practice and had to pull out the backup car, with 8 minutes left in practice, Johnson was able to get the backup car out for some practice. The backup car ran the 18th fastest lap.
See fastest speeds, laps run, best top-10 lap average and more on the Michigan Happy Hour Practice Speeds page (pdf).(8-17-2013)

Johnson wrecks in Michigan Happy Hour practice, to backup car: 21 minutes into happy hour (final) practice for the Pure Michigan Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, #48-Jimmie Johnson (scheduled to start 3rd) got loose in turn 3, spun and nosed into the outside wall. His comment: "That was definitely part of it. I'm a little puzzled as to why I spun out going in because I've had great entry stability even on that run I had great entry stability. I got a little close to the No. 27 but then again it's not like I was right on him. To me it felt like I lost downforce just from the traffic scenario. I'm not really sure either way we have a torn up car and we will have to work hard to get this one ready to go. Hopefully make a couple of laps here before this session is up and take it from there."(Team Chevy)(8-17-2013)

Martin looking at options; #14 ride? #55-Mark Martin says he's been contacted to drive Tony Stewart's car but calls any such move "complicated."
"It's more complicated than it looks at face value," Martin said Friday about driving the #14 car while Stewart recovers from a broken leg suffered in a sprint car crash last week in Iowa. Martin is in his last season driving for Michael Waltrip Racing with his contract expiring. Brian Vickers, who has shared driving duties with Martin the past two seasons, will drive Martin's car full-time starting next year. That could make Martin available to drive Stewart's car immediately, giving Vickers the chance to run the remaining races for MWR to prepare for next season. There are several roadblocks, though. A key challenge is that Martin's ride is with Toyota and Stewart's car is a Chevrolet. Both Martin's car and Stewart's car are battling to get into the Chase for the owner's title. There also are sponsor considerations and other such contracts. If Vickers were to take over for Martin, then he would need approval from Joe Gribbs Racing since he's running the Nationwide schedule for that team.
There are just as many questions about what Martin will do next season. "The reason I haven't talked about 2014 is because I felt like the landscape was probably going to change, and it's starting to change rapidly," he said. Martin says other competitors have asked if he's going to share driving duties with Kyle Larson for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing next season after the team decided not to retain Juan Pablo Montoya after this year. EGR has not made any announcement on who will drive that car next season. Kyle Larson told Motor Racing Network on Friday that he's focused on his Nationwide campaign. "I promise no one has talked to anyone on my side from Ganassi," Martin said. "I know that it's really churning out there. There hasn't even been the first discussion about that. I'm as interested as you guys are about what Chip Ganassi has up his sleeve." One thing Martin can say for certain is that he won't drive full-time in Cup next year. "I wouldn't (run full-time) for the world," he said. "I do love my schedule now."(Motor Racing Network)(8-17-2013)

First & 3M team up on the #16 at MIS: What do science education and sports car racing have in common? Hundreds of kids and parents will find out this Sunday, August 18, during the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup race, as FIRST and 3M team up with #16-Greg Biffle, to ignite kids' passion in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Families will rally around the track in Brooklyn, Mich. to watch Biffle race the #16 Ford Fusion, vying for a winning spot with just four races left before the season cut-off. During this race, Biffle will prominently display the red, white and blue FIRST logo on the hood of his car. FIRST is a not-for-profit that inspires kids to pursue careers in STEM via intense, fun robotic competitions and Biffle is helping the organization and its Sponsor, 3M, educate families about the exciting career connection between science and sports. FIRST is the only not-for-profit that offers more than $16 million in scholarships to high-school participants.(usfirst.org), see an image of the scheme on the #16 Team Schemes page.(8-17-2013)

Eckrich and RPM Driver Aric Almirola Race to Military Family Home: With the sounds of a revving race engine, Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) and Eckrich-sponsored NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Aric Almirola made a different kind of pit stop Thursday evening in Ann Arbor, Michigan. And it was all to the surprise of military family, the Kotts, in their own driveway. Almirola drove a replica of the famed #43 Eckrich stock car right up to the house of Sergeant First Class Howard Kott and his wife Dawn to surprise them with the opportunity to be honorary crew members this Sunday at the Michigan International Speedway. Once Almirola stepped out of the car, he surprised the Kott family by presenting them with crew uniforms and VIP passes and then asked them to be part of the famed #43 team this Sunday. But Eckrich and Almirola weren't done honoring the family just yet. In addition to the VIP crew member experience, Eckrich brought a gift basket that Almirola presented, including Eckrich #43 hats, water bottles and plenty of Eckrich products. The family will also be given a pace car ride around the track on Sunday, attend the driver's meeting with Almirola and be introduced to the race crowd with "The King" Richard Petty prior to the start of the race. Sergeant First Class Howard Kott is currently active in the Army and has been deployed twice for service. He and his wife, Dawn, are race fans who are now looking forward to their first VIP experience thanks to Eckrich. To learn more about Operation Inspiration, please click here.(Eckrich/RPM)(8-17-2013)

Sad News - Randy Tissot: former NASCAR driver Randall "Randy" Lee Tissot, 69, passed away quietly Thursday, August 15, 2013 at the VA Hospice Center surrounded by his wife and children. A native of Akron, Ohio, he was son of the late Milford Charles and Lillian Arleen Bowman. Randy began his racing career at the age of 16, driving a Street Stock at Hollywood Speedway in Hollywood Fla. in 1960. He was drafted in August of 1966, and spend a year in Vietnam, as a Helicopter crew chief. He received 8 Air Medals, the 2nd thru the 10th, Oak Leaf Clusters during his year in Vietnam. After being discharged from the Army in 1968, he resumed his racing career and began driving for Billy Myers. In 1972 Chuck Little and Randy formed Tilitco Enterprises and ran NASCAR Grand National (what is now known as Sprint Cup) in 1973, 1974 and 1975 on a limited schedule (13 Sprint Cup Series starts and finished 29th in the 1975 Daytona 500).
More info about services, donations, condolences on my Sad News Page)(8-17-2013)

Allmendinger wins Nationwide Series race at Mid-Ohio: #22-A.J. Allmendinger won the inaugural Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. It his his second win of the season and the 4th in the last five races for Penske's #22 team. #18-Michael McDowell finished second, matching his career best finish. #12-Sam Hornish, Jr. was third followed by #33-Max Papis, #20-Brian Vickers, #11-Elliott Sadler, #9-Marcos Ambrose, #31-Justin Allgaier, #6-Trevor Bayne, and #51-Jeremy Clements. The race ended with one green-white-checker attempt. There were 7 cautions for 18 laps and 8 lead changes among 7 leaders. Complete results are on the Mid-Ohio race results page (pdf).(8-17-2013)

Mid-Ohio Race Fast Facts:
AJ Allmendinger(i) won the Inaugural Nationwide Children's Hospital 200, his second victory in ten NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his second victory and second top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Michael McDowell(i) (second) posted his first top-10 finish at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. It is his first top-10 finish in 2013.
Sam Hornish Jr. (third) posted his first top-10 finish at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Alex Bowman (11th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Sam Hornish Jr. leads the point standings by 13 points over Elliott Sadler.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-17-2013)

Mid-Ohio Qualifying Notes:
Michael McDowell(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the Inaugural Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 with a lap of 84.450 seconds, 96.256 mph.
This is his second pole in 88 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first pole and second top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
AJ Allmendinger(i) (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2013 and his first at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Owen Kelly (third) posted his first top-10 start at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. It is his second in two races this season.
Kyle Larson (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-17-2013)

Buescher wins Michigan: #31-James Buescher made a late pass over #51-Kyle Busch in the closing laps of the National Guard 200 at the Michigan International Speedway and held on to claim his first win of the 2013 season. Busch finished second, followed by: #3-Ty Dillon, #19-Joey Logano, #32-Miguel Paludo, #17-Timothy Peters, #7-John Wes Townley, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #88-Matt Crafton, and #4-Jeb Burton. There were seven caution flags for 29 laps, and 10 lead changes among five drivers. Complete results are on the Michigan race results page (pdf).(8-17-2013)

Michigan Race Fast Facts:
James Buescher won the 14th Annual Michigan National Guard 200, his fifth victory in 106 NASCAR
Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2013. Buescher's last win came at Kentucky Speedway
on Sept. 21, 2012.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in five races at Michigan International Speedway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in seven races at Michigan International Speedway.
It is the fourth time he has finished second at Michigan in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Ty Dillon (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Michigan International Speedway.
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 51 points over Jeb Burton .
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-17-2013)

Burton on pole for the National Guard 200 at Michigan International Speedway: #4-Jeb Burton set a new track record at the two-mile Michigan International Speedway, winning the pole with a top speed at 185.759 mph. #62-Brenadan Gaughan will start alongside row one in second. He is followed by: #31-James Buescher, #8-Max Gresham, #3-Ty Dillon, #88-Matt Crafton, #51-Kyle Busch, #32-Miguel Paludo, #18-Joey Coulter and #9-Ron Hornaday, Jr. 32 trucks were entered for the event, giving every entry a starting position. See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-17-2013)

Michigan Qualifying Notes:
Jeb Burton won the Keystone 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 14th Annual Michigan National Guard
200 with a track qualifying record lap of 38.760 seconds, 185.759 mph. The previous track record was
184.101 mph, set by Joey Coulter in August of 2012.
Burton's pole speed was the fourth-fastest pole-winning speed in NASCAR Camping World Truck
Series history.
This is his fourth pole in 17 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fourth pole and 10th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in one races at Michigan International Speedway.
Brendan Gaughan (second) posted his seventh top-10 start of 2013 and his second in eight races at
Michigan International Speedway.
James Buescher (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his
sixth in 12 races this season.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-17-2013)

Burton to return: Following the race at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, Fox Sports 1 reporter Ray Dunlap confirmed that Jeb Burton would return to Camping World Truck Series competition in 2014, as well as compete in select Nationwide Series races. Burton, who is in his first full season of truck competition, is currently second in the point standings, has one win, and four pole awards driving for Turner Scott Motorsports.(8-17-2013)

News from August 16, 2013

Logano wins Michigan pole: #22-Joey Logano won the pole for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway with TRACK RECORD speed of 203.949mph for his 1st pole of 2013, which puts him in the 2014 Sprint Unlimited and his 6th career pole.
Logano becomes the youngest Michigan pole winner at 23 years, 2 months, 22 days. The old record was held by Jeff Gordon from June 18, 1995 when he was 23 years, 10 months, 14 days old. See the list for all the tracks on my Young-Old Driver records page.
Three drivers ran faster the old track record of 203.321mph, set in June 2012 by Marcos Ambrose.
#78-Busch is on the outside pole followed by #48-Johnson, #55-Martin, #31-Burton, #42-Montoya, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #11-Hamlin, #2-Keselowski and #18-Busch.
Missing the race was: #19-Scott Riggs.
See the starting lineup, qualifying results, pole progression, links to pdfs and more on the Michigan Lineup & Qualifying Page.(8-16-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Michigan:
#22-Joey Logano won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 44th Annual Pure Michigan 400 with a track qualifying record lap of 35.303 seconds, 203.949 mph. The previous record was 203.241 mph set by Marcos Ambrose in June of 2012.
Logano's lap was the ninth-fastest pole-winning lap in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history.
This is the 13th track qualifying record set by the Gen-6 race car in 2013.
This is his sixth pole in 170 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and 11th top-10 start in 2013. With the pole, Logano is locked into the 2014 Sprint Unlimited.
This is his first pole in ten races at Michigan International Speedway.
#78-Kurt Busch (second) posted his 10th top-10 start of 2013 and his 10th in 26 races at Michigan International Speedway.
#48-Jimmie Johnson (third) posted his 16th top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his 13th in 23 races this season.(NASCAR Statistics)(8-16-2013)

Coverage of Qualifying for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is scheduled for Friday, August 16, 2013 at 3:40pm/et.Television (TV): SPEED, 3:30pm/etRadio: MRN, 3:30pm/etScheduled Qualifying Re-Air: 9:00pm/et and 4:00am/et on SPEED

Qualifying Order for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted. 44 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #47-Labonte.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #9-Ambrose.
Fastest in Friday practice, #48-Johnson, is scheduled to qualify 35th.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Michigan Qualifying Page.(8-16-2013)

Friday practice for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 100 (10 added due to a few red flags) scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#48-Johnson 203.355 (faster the track record)
#42-Montoya 203.132
#18-Busch 202.634
#22-Logano 202.537
#99-Edwards 201.998
(Twenty drivers were over 200 mph)
slowest: #87-Nemechek 190.345 & #19-Riggs 191.795
Notes: Track record is 203.241mph, set in June 2012 by #9-Ambrose. Halfway thru practice, #1-McMurray lost an engine, the team will change engines and the #1 will start at the rear of the field on Sunday. #9-Ambrose had a loose oil line 8 minutes into practice, but the track was cleaned and practice continued. No serious damage to the #9.
In the event that qualifying is cancelled, this practice would set the lineup, top 36 by speed, then by race attempts and then set by speed.
See fastest speeds, laps run and more on the Michigan Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf).(8-16-2013)

Montoya just wants a winning ride: With confirmation this week that Juan Pablo Montoya will not return next year to the #42 Chevy fielded by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, we [AutoWeek] sat down on Thursday with the former CART World Series champion, Indianapolis 500 winner and Formula One race winner to talk about his plan for 2014. But that's not all Montoya, who turns 38 next month, opened up about.Autoweek: What's on your agenda now that we know you won't return to Earnhardt Ganassi in Sprint Cup?Juan Pablo Montoya: I don't know yet. But what I told everybody is, whatever I want to do, it's gotta be in a car to win races. You need to be in a winning car, that's the No. 1 thought for me right now. What am I gonna do? I dunno. You know, one side of me of course wants to stay in NASCAR, I've put a lot of effort and time into it. But the No. 1 thing for me is being in a winning car.AW: Are you open to looking at IndyCar again, or other series besides NASCAR?JPM: Absolutely, looking at everything, yeah. Yeah, I would think, I mean I gotta look at, as I told you, it's gotta be a winning car. Whatever I do has gotta be in a winning car.AW: Have you already targeted who you want to talk to about opportunities for next year?JPM: Do I have an idea? Yes, of course. Am I gonna tell you? No.
(see full interview at AutoWeek)(8-16-2013)

Kurt Busch talks about 2014 plans: #78-Kurt Busch met with members of the media at Michigan and discussed his potential plans for 2014 and many other topics. The transcript in part:Q) WITH THE #42 BEING OPEN FOR SURE NOW DOES THAT CHANGE AS FAR AS THE PEOPLE THAT YOU'RE TALKING TO ABOUT NEXT YEAR? SHOULD WE COUNT YOU AS A CANDIDATE FOR THAT RIDE?Kurt Busch: "It hasn't changed anything, I'm good friends with Felix Sabates and I know Chip real well and the whole gang, Max Jones, Steve Lauletta. They came up with that decision not based off any of the talks that I've had with them but it is a potential opportunity that's for sure."Q) ARE YOU ANY CLOSER? HAVE YOU MADE PROGRESS WITH WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO NEXT YEAR OR HAVE YOU PUT ALL THAT ON THE BACKBURNER WHILE TRYING TO MAKE THE CHASE?Kurt Busch: "Well, the focus is making the chase and we have four weeks to go and we're in great position. It's been neat to feel the energy from the team. We spent a week in Colorado meeting with Denver media and they've adopted us as like a fifth sports entity for that town. It's been really neat. They talk Broncos. They talk Rockies. And now they're talking us. So, it's cool to have talks with Furniture Row about what we can do in 2014 and beyond. The Ganassi thing came up and other phone calls have happened. Nothing's going to change. We're just still really focused on the Chase and what we can do in these next four weeks together."(Team Chevy)(8-16-2013)

Update on Tony Stewart. mindset of the team and Stewart: Greg Zipadelli, Competition Director at Stewart-Haas Racing , met with members of the media at Michigan International Speedway and updated news on Tony Stewart and much more. The transcript in part:Q) WOULD IT BE EASIER TO HAVE ONE DRIVER FOR ALL THE RACES TONY STEWART WILL MISS RATHER THAN CHANGING DRIVERS EACH WEEKEND?ZIPADELLI: "There's pros and cons to it. We're certainly looking at trying probably in the next three to four days, before we get to Bristol everything will be ironed out for the rest of the year. We've had hurdles that we've had to get through so we are looking at that and we're working on that. It will be two drivers probably the rest of the year just to do exactly what you said and just try to get them guys to try to build some chemistry and get the best finishes we can. We're still 11th in owner's points, that's a big deal and we can look at that and that's kind of what we're focused on right now. We are working on that, it's just too early to talk about."Q) ARE YOU WORKING UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT TONY STEWART WILL BE OUT THE REST OF THE YEAR OR IS THERE A CHANCE HE WILL BE BACK THIS SEASON?ZIPADELLI: "We don't know that yet. I'm working under the assumption that he's (Tony Stewart) out for the next month or so or longer. He went to the doctor's this week, he had a decent visit. No setbacks. Basically, very simple instructions, stay in his bed with your leg up over your heart for the next seven days and then come back and see me. We'll reevaluate you and tell you what you can do. That's what he's doing. I saw him Wednesday night, we spent some time together, spent a couple hours together yesterday just kind of filling him in on all the things that we've got going on. He's in great spirits and they changed some of his medicines and things of that nature. He's going through a little bit of a transition period, but like I said the doctor's appointment went well or as good as it can. He said the next seven to 14 days will tell a lot of how it heals, how those things take and we'll certainly continue to update you guys as we can. It's going to be a really slow process."Q) IS AUSTIN DILLON ONE OF THE TWO THAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT FOR MORE RACES GOING FORWARD?ZIPADELLI: "Yeah, obviously Austin's (Dillon) done a great job in the Truck Series and Nationwide Series. He's got a long-standing relationship with Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shop so we are talking about more races. We don't have anything concreted yet. We're looking at that other option and just seeing how many races that they can do. It looks like one more race at least for Austin through the rest of the year with us."Q) GREG, WHY WAS AUSTIN DILLON THE RIGHT CHOICE THIS WEEKEND AND AUSTIN, HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE A SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND?ZIPADELLI: "From our side, like I mentioned earlier, he (Austin Dillon) just ran here and did a great job in the spring race. Runs well here in the Nationwide. He's done some testing in these cars so we could have found a guy in the Truck Series or something like that who doesn't have a ton of time in these race cars, which I felt was -- not that they wouldn't do a good job, but I think these cars are a little bit different and the biggest thing is that he did a good job here in the spring. We looked at that, the association with Bass Pro Shop, both sponsors were on board. That is a big priority to us that our partners are on board with everything we do. Obviously, we let them down with Tony (Stewart) not being in the car the rest of the year and we need to do the best we can to represent them and they are a big part of our decisions."Q) HOW ACTIVE IS TONY STEWART WHEN YOU VISIT WITH HIM AND WHAT IS HIS MINDSET?ZIPADELLI: "His (Tony Stewart) mindset is pretty good. He's in a lot of pain at times. He was in a wheelchair yesterday when we had our meeting with three or four of us over there for a couple hours yesterday going over things at the shop and what we were doing moving forward. For the most part, like I said, he's supposed to be in bed for the next seven days with his foot up above his heart I guess is what the doctor said. It needs to be elevated just to keep the swelling and things of that nature down."Q) WHAT IS THE TEAM'S MINDSET ABOUT THE REST OF THE SEASON?ZIPADELLI: "Everybody has been pretty good honestly. We've been so busy trying to work through all these details and seats and seat brackets and all the things that have gone on in the last two weeks that these guys haven't had time to stop I don't think really and reflect on what's going on in the year. Like I said, we're 11th in owner's points and that's the message that we keep driving to these guys that it is business as usual. There's no reason in the world that we can't be in the top-10 with where we're at and that's our goals is to continue fighting as hard as we can, do the best we can to represent our sponsors and keep the boss smiling at home that we did a good job with what we had to work with."(See full transcript at Team Chevy)(8-16-2013)

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan Live on ESPN: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series moves to the 2-mile Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., this weekend and ESPN will have a live telecast of the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday, Aug. 18. NASCAR Countdown airs at noon with the race's green flag at 1:16pm/et. All NASCAR programming on ESPN networks is also available on computers, smartphones and tablets through WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app.(8-16-2013)

Testing at Richmonf, fans invited: Fans are invited to watch NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars running laps at Richmond International Raceway August 19-21, in advance of next month's Federated Auto Parts 400 "One Last Race to Make The Chase" at America's Premier Short Track. RIR's grandstands will be open free to the public from 5:00 to 9:00 pm/et each night. Drivers will get precious track time "under the lights" in preparation for one of the most anticipated races of the season. Only the top 10 drivers in the point standings and two Wild Cards (drivers who are in positions 11-20 with the most wins) will earn a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The way things are shaping up, there could be more than 10 drivers on the proverbial "bubble."Participating in the upcoming tests:
Monday, August 19: #2-Brad Keselowski, #22-Joey Logano, #13-Casey Mears
Tuesday, August 20 and Wednesday, August 21: #2-Brad Keselowski, #22-Joey Logano, #13-Casey Mears, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #5-Kasey Kahne, #56-Martin Truex Jr., #15-Clint Bowyer & #55-Mark Martin.
Fans may enter Richmond International Raceway through the Main Gate, located at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Meadowbridge Rd. Parking will be on the Midway, outside of Gate 70. A concessions stand will be open with food and beverages, and fans are allowed to bring in their own food and beverage (no glass allowed). Tickets are on sale now for the Federated Auto Parts 400, Saturday, September 7. Advance tickets, including seats in Turns 1 and 4, start at $45, and can be purchased online or by calling 866-455-7223.(RIR)(8-16-2013)

Johnson Clinches And Might Stand Alone For A Bit: at Watkins Glen #48-Jimmie Johnson clinched a spot in the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. He continues to be the only driver to make every single Chase since its inception in 2004. Johnson's clinch also matched the earliest clinch in Chase history, tying Jeff Gordon who also clinched at The Glen in 2007. But maybe the most astounding part of it all: We might have to wait an entire two weeks before someone else clinches. That's how dominant Johnson has been compared to the rest of the field. A few drivers can clinch this Sunday at Michigan, but will need lots of help from others. The magic number for this weekend is 145. Any driver 145 points ahead of 11th place leaving Michigan will clinch a top 10 Chase spot. #15-Clint Bowyer (currently 110 points ahead of 11th) and #99-Carl Edwards (105 points) are in a position to clinch. #20-Matt Kenseth can clinch at least a Wild Card berth with a win, but it's not guaranteed, since a win won't necessarily lock Kenseth into the top 20 a necessity for a Wild Card spot.(NASCAR)(8-16-2013)

Pepsi Max sponsoring Kahne at Michigan: Pepsi MAX will adorn the hood of Kasey Kahne's #5 Chevrolet SS this weekend at Michigan. Kahne helped design the special paint scheme, which Pepsi MAX recently debuted on its YouTube channel. On behalf of Pepsi MAX, Kahne will throw out the first pitch at the Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals game on Saturday evening at the Comerica Park in Detroit. The Major League Baseball game starts at 7:08 p.m. local time and will air on FOX Sports Detroit (HMS), see images of the scheme on the #5 Team Schemes page.(8-16-2013)

Stand Up To Cancer featured on #17: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will carry Stand Up to Cancer on the decklid of the #17 Fifth Third Bank Ford at Michigan. Stand Up To Cancer and the Cancer Research Institute have joined forces in one of the most promising new research areas, using the science of immunology to get our bodies' own natural defenses to fight the disease. Immunotherapy has the potential to significantly change the treatment of cancer as we know it. Stand Up with us. Together, we can impact millions of lives.(RFR)(8-16-2013)

Goodyear Tire Notes for Michigan: Teams in both NASCAR series in action at Michigan this weekend will run the same right-side tire code, though they will run different left-side codes . . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that Sprint Cup teams ran at Michigan earlier this season and in August last season . . . this is also the same tire set-up that Cup teams have run at the last two races at Kansas April 2013 and October 2012 . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners on all four tire positions at Michigan . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire (Goodyear), see tire codes, pressures and more on the Michigan Race Info page - Goodyear section.(8-16-2013)

Busch fastest in final practice at Michigan: #51-Kyle Busch was fastest in the final practice on Friday at Michigan International Speedway. Busch ran the fast lap at 187.578 mph. #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. was second. He was followed by: #98-Johnny Sauter, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #18-Joey Coulter, #19-Joey Logano, #3-Ty Dillon, #29-Ryan Blaney, #31-James Buescher, and #16-Brett Moffitt. 27 trucks participated in the session. See complete results on the Michigan practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(8-16-2013)

Wallace fastest in first practice at Michigan: #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr. was fastest during the opening practice session for the trucks at Michigan International Speedway on Friday. Wallace ran the fast lap at 185.634 mph. #31-James Buescher was second. #19-Joey Logano, #18-Joey Coulter, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #88-Matt Crafton, #9-Ron Hornaday, Jr, #3-Ty Dillon, #51-Kyle Busch, and #77-German Quiroga close out the top-10. 27 trucks ran at least one lap in the session. See complete results on the Michigan practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-16-2013)

News from August 15, 2013

Chassis selections for this weeks race: see the list of many teams [that report or post chassis info, some do not] and what chassis were selected by the team to run at Michigan International Speedway on the Michigan Race Info page - Chassis selection area.

Kurt Busch Nails First Pitch at Colorado Rockies Game: Furniture Row Racing driver Kurt Busch threw a perfect strike during the ceremonial first pitch prior to Wednesday's MLB game between the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres. Busch, a rabid baseball fan, trotted to the Coors Field pitching mound wearing a #78 Rockies/Furniture Row jersey, then took a short windup and hurled a fastball over the center of the plate. The visit to the Rockies game was part of a four-day Denver blitz for Busch, who his in first full season driving for the Colorado-based NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. Along with attending the Rockies game, Busch paid a visit to local media outlets, conducted an autograph session for Furniture Row at its Oak Express store, played in a charity golf tournament that benefitted the Armed Forces Foundation and took part in a television commercial shoot for future Furniture Row/Denver Mattress promotions. His Denver week will culminate Thursday as a VIP guest to the Denver Broncos training camp.(see more and an inage at Furniture Row Racing's Facebook)(8-25-2013)

Cheerios back on the #31 at MIS: The iconic General Mills brand Cheerios returns as the primary sponsor on Jeff Burton's #31 Chevy. America's No.1 cereal franchise will also bring its fan-favorite yellow and black paint scheme to New Hampshire Motor Speedway (September 22). General Mills has roots as a NASCAR sponsor for more than 15 years and began its partnership with RCR in 2008 with the Cheerios brand as the primary sponsor of the #33 Sprint Cup Series team. The program moved to the #31 team as a co-primary sponsor for the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season.(RCR), see images of the scheme on the #31 Team Schemes page.(8-15-2013)

Rheem on the Hood of the #29 at MIS: The red Rheem logo will adorn the hood of the #29 RCR Chevy of Kevin Harvick this weekend at Michigan International Speedway for their sixth of seven appearances during the 2013 Sprint Cup Series season. Rheem will also be featured on Harvick's Chevrolet at Talladega Superspeedway in October.(RCR), see images of the scheme on the #29 Team Schemes page.(8-15-2013)

Fox Sports 1 to Launch Saturday, August 17th UPDATE: DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks are likely to carry Fox Sports 1 at its launch on Saturday, according to sources with direct knowledge of the deals. The three distributors still have not signed deals to carry the channel, but the sources expect all three providers to have it available on Saturday. Dish Network did not respond to email requests for comment. But sources said they expected Dish to carry the channel, as well. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Dish Network has agreed to carry FS1 at launch. Fox Sports executives have said that they expect FS1 to launch in 90 million homes. These deals are certain to get the channel to that number.(Sports Business Daily)UPDATE Fox's new national sports network, FOX Sports 1, will debut on Saturday, August 17th, with every major distributor on board, making this the biggest sports cable network launch in history, and one of the largest network launches ever. The announcement was made by Mike Hopkins, President, Distribution, Fox Networks.
"We are thrilled that virtually all pay-television customers across America will have access to FOX Sports 1," said Mr. Hopkins. "This network launch is a major milestone for Fox and will alter the sports television landscape. We are grateful to our distribution partners for making this all possible." At the outset, FOX Sports 1 boasts nearly 5,000 hours of live event, news and original programming annually. A robust schedule of live events forms the backbone of FOX Sports 1's programming from Day 1, with college basketball, college football, NASCAR, soccer, boxing and UFC all on tap between launch and year's end. In fact, the schedule on August 17th features live events morning, noon and night including a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Michigan and UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SHOGUN VS. SONNEN in prime time. In 2014, FOX Sport's new rights agreement with MLB takes effect, bringing regular and postseason games to FOX Sports 1. Viewers can learn where to find FOX Sports 1 on their system by visiting FOXSports1.com.
NASCAR Programming Select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races as soon as 2015; NASCAR Nationwide Series races; NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races; NASCAR Sprint All-Star race; all Speedweeks events leading up to the Daytona 500 including: Daytona 500 Qualifying, Sprint Unlimited at Daytona (2014, 2017-22) and the Budweiser Duel, now in prime time; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NCWTS Practice and Qualifying sessions; NASCAR RaceDay, providing pre- and post-race coverage; NASCAR Victory Lane, a post-race wrap-up for Sprint Cup races; and Race Hub, a daily mid-day studio show with the latest from drivers, owners and garages.(FOX)(8-15-2013)

Joe Gibbs Racing Partners with Pit Crew U: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces today that it has partnered with Pit Crew U, a division of Performance Instruction & Training, on a pit crew development program designed to keep a flow of talent coming to the organization for years to come. "It certainly is no secret how important pit crews have become in our sport especially with track position playing such a vital role in each race," said J.D. Gibbs, President of JGR. "We've always believed in developing our own talent through our driver program and our Nationwide Series program, which has seen many team members, including crew chiefs, make the step to the Sprint Cup Series. We're excited to partner with Pit Crew U now to make sure we have a consistent flow of over the wall talent coming to JGR in the years to come." Pit Crew U has produced some of the best over-the-wall talent in NASCAR with several of JGR's current Sprint Cup Series pit crew members having come out of their program. JGR will work with Pit Crew U to identify 10 talented athletes to form a development squad for their racing programs with the intent to eventually fill the organization's needs in their Nationwide Series programs and ultimately the Sprint Cup Series.(JGR)(8-15-2013)

Patrick tests at Nashville: Prior to their trip to Michigan, Danica Patrick, crew chief Tony Gibson and the rest of the #10 team participated in a two-day test at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., as the quest for speed and better results continues.(SHR)(8-15-2013)

Earnhardt Jr. does burnout in Chicago street: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. took Chicago by storm on Monday, performing a celebratory burnout on State Street in front of the legendary Chicago Theatre before travelling to Millennium Park to greet a crowd of adoring fans. Earnhardt Jr., currently sixth in the point standings, will return to Chicagoland Speedway on Sept. 15 for the GEICO 400, the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The GEICO 400 is part of a triple-header weekend of action at Chicagoland Speedway Sept. 13-15, including NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying on Friday afternoon, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race Friday night, Saturday's Dollar General 300 Powered by Coca-Cola and Sunday's GEICO 400, the start of NASCAR's playoffs. "Chicago is a great town with great fans. It's fun for us to get out there and do something different, so to put a Cup car on State Street made for a cool day," said Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 88 National Guard ride for Hendrick Motorsports. "We appreciate everyone coming out to see us and we're looking forward to putting on another great show in September." Following the burnout, Earnhardt Jr. visited fans in Millennium Park's Wrigley Square for a question-and-answer session lead by Miss Sprint Cup, Jaclyn Roney. Roney, a native of Ann Arbor, Mich., and graduate from Eastern Michigan University, has held the title of Miss Sprint Cup since 2011.(Chicagoland Speedway)(8-15-2013)

George, Wauters take hiatus: Tim George Jr. will be out of the #5 Wauters Motorsports Chevy Silverado for the next three races in the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. George, Jr. looks to return to the team later in the series season.
Wauters Motorsports is not traveling to Michigan International Speedway this weekend and a driver for Bristol Motor Speedway and Canadian Tire Motorsports Park has yet to be announced.(Wauters Motorsports)(8-15-2013)

Fans may miss truck races when SPEED transitions to FOX Sports 1 UPDATE 2: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice sessions and the Camping World Truck Series race August 17 from Michigan International Speedway will be among the live telecasts on the first day Fox Sports 1 goes on air in place of the Speed cable network. And that could be a problem. Among those still negotiating carriage fees with Fox Sports 1 are DirecTV, Dish and Time Warner Cable. Spokesmen for DirecTV and TWC said Thursday that discussions are ongoing and Dish also has not signed a deal, according to the SportsBusiness Daily.
Speed is in nearly 86 million homes, but millions of its current subscribers won't be able to see Fox Sports 1 unless a carriage deal is finalized.
DirecTV has 20 million subscribers, Time Warner Cable serves 14.6 million customers and Dish has 14 million subscribers. Not all of those subscribers pay for packages that include Speed (and would include Fox Sports 1), but those are three of the largest television providers in the country.
According to the SportsBusiness Journal, Speed costs about 23 cents each month per subscriber, and Fox is looking to increase that to 80 cents per month.
It's not surprising that these negotiations go down to the wire, but it's enough to make NASCAR fans nervous as the channel they know as Speed will cease to exist when Fox Sports 1 is launched in its place in about a week.
A NASCAR spokesman declined comment as negotiations between the network and the cable and satellite operators continue.
Among the NASCAR programming scheduled for Fox Sports 1 for August 17 is all of the NASCAR activity at Michigan, both Sprint Cup Series practices as well as the truck qualifying and race.
Just three days later, August 21 at Bristol, Fox Sports 1 is scheduled to show both truck practices as well as the truck race that night.
That's a good deal of NASCAR content in the first seven days of the new network all of which NASCAR fans are in jeopardy of not seeing.(Sporting News)(8-9-2013)UPDATE: Twenty-First Century Fox Inc. has yet to strike deals to get Fox Sports 1 in the channel lineup of three of the biggest U.S. pay-TV companies days before it is scheduled to debut.
DirecTV, Dish Network Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc. have a total of about 46 million subscribers - about half the number Fox has promised investors it will reach with the new channel. Comcast Corp., Cox Communications Inc., Verizon Communications Inc.'s FiOS, AT&T Inc.'s U-verse, Cablevision Systems Corp., Charter Communications Inc. and Suddenlink Communications have reached deals to carry Fox Sports 1, representing about 45 million subscribers.(Bloomberg)(8-14-2013)UPDATE 2: Fox Sports 1 should launch with few hiccups Saturday as Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, DirecTV and Dish all have agreed to show the new network that will replace Speed.
The SportsBusiness Journal reported Wednesday night DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Bright House will carry the channel even if they have not finalized carriage agreements by Saturday. The Los Angeles Times reported that Dish will do the same. The changes also have provided angst for fans in Canada, where Fox Sports 1 has not yet gotten approval. The Speed channel that remains on Canadian television providers will carry the Fox Sports 1 coverage from Michigan.(Sporting News)(8-15-2013)

Purple Heart Recipient Named Honorary Starter of Pure Michigan 400: U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient David Balestrino Jr. has been named honorary starter for the Pure Michigan 400 being held this Sunday, August 18, at Michigan International Speedway. Balestrino was the winner of a fan contest on the Pure Michigan Facebook page, receiving the highest number of votes for his entry on why he wanted to wave the green flag on race day. Balestrino, of Youngstown, Ohio, served as a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army from 2003-2009 and received a Purple Heart during his service in Iraq. In his entry, Balestrino said he would like to drop the green flag in honor of his six year old son. "While serving in Iraq I missed the entire first year of Brady's life," Balestrino said. "That was the most difficult thing I ever had to go through. I still can't believe that I was picked for this awesome honor and I hope that I can make everyone who has served or is still serving proud." As honorary starter, Balestrino will also have the opportunity to receive a pace car ride from NASCAR's official pace car driver and attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers' meeting. "We received many great entries from fans excited about race day at the Pure Michigan 400, but David's submission really brought together a passion for racing and a terrific story that speaks to the spirit of Pure Michigan," said George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Pure Michigan is a brand on the rise, representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan's economy.(MIS)(8-15-2013)

Attendance at Watkins Glen near record: Another thrilling finish and perfect race day weather kept a near-record crowd of NASCAR Sprint Cup fans entertained this weekend at Watkins Glen International. Kyle Busch held off a charging Brad Keselowski in the final turn of the 90-lap Cheez-It 355 at The Glen before a crowd that WGI president Michael Printup said was about 94,000, an increase of 3,000 over last year and one of the largest crowds in the 28-year modern history of the Sprint Cup event at Watkins Glen. "We beat the heck out of that number last year," Printup said. "The weekend was fantastic. The fans were happy and the drivers were happy." Printup's crowd statement gives an accurate gauge on NASCAR attendance at Watkins Glen for the first time. It has been a policy of the Glen's parent owner, International Speedway Corporation, Inc., not to give out attendance figures because it is a publically-held company. Instead, the media had to rely on NASCAR to provide crowd estimates at their race events, a policy that was dropped this year. NASCAR's estimates were not always accurate. Last year, they estimated 90,000 attended the Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen; Printup said it was actually 91,000. "We own our own ticketing system, so it's really easy to determine," he said. Printup had hoped to beat the attendance record, which he said was 94,300 in 2002. Rain and road closings on Thursday and Friday had a slight negative impact on an otherwise near-perfect weekend. The only issue Printup cited was some traffic snarls entering the track due to some signage mix-ups.(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-15-2013)

News from August 14, 2013

Sam Bass Presents New Standox Paint Scheme for Jeff Gordon: For the past 21 years, Sam Bass' artwork has been brought to life onboard the #24 Chevrolet with Jeff Gordon driving to championships as well as numerous victories together. Beginning in 1992, Bass worked with Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports to unveil the "Rainbow Warrior" paint scheme that became synonymous with the team. Since that time, Bass has designed over 50 paint schemes for Gordon. This weekend at Michigan International Speedway, Gordon will take to the track in another Sam Bass original design, the #24 Standox paint scheme. "The Standox special paint scheme was a chance for me to really try something new, it marked the first time that I had ever been able to use so much white on a car for Jeff," said Bass. "The pristine white of the hood looks classy and rich, beautifully feeding into the flame graphics and is surrounded by the immediately recognizable Standox blue. The traditional neon yellow #24's really pop off the new colors which should really attract a lot of attention at Michigan."
"It is always a pleasure to create new paint schemes for AXALTA and Jeff Gordon. Our 21 year working relationship has produced a lot of memorable looking race cars with stunning paint and appearances, topped off with a driver who knows how to show them off in victory lane! I am extremely proud of the work I have done for them over the years and this new Standox car continues that tradition."(140Buzz), see images of the scheme on the #24 Team Schemes page.(8-14-2013)

Country singer Luke Bryan featured on the #2: The Academy of Country Music "Entertainer of the Year," Luke Bryan, will be a guest of the #2 Miller Lite Ford team this weekend at Michigan International Speedway as he prepares to debut his new CD, Crash My Party. Bryan's likeness will be featured on the hood of Brad Keselowski's Ford this weekend. In addition, Bryan will take control of the @MillerLite Twitter handle for live tweets during Sunday's Pure Michigan 400. There will be a lot of star power at Comerica Park on Friday night when the American League Central Division-leading Detroit Tigers host the second-place Kansas City Royals. Keselowski, the first Michigan-born Cup Series champion, will present the game ball at home plate prior to the start of the 7:05 pm/et contest (Penske Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #2 Team Schemes page.(8-14-2013)

Special PTA-inspired paint scheme at Michigan for Newman: When #39-Ryan Newman hits the track at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn for Sunday's Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, his #39-Quicken Loans Chevrolet SS will sport a different look as the nation's largest online retail mortgage lender will feature a National Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)-inspired paint scheme. In addition to carrying the PTA colors this weekend, Newman will make a midweek visit to Detroit Public Schools' Burton International Academy, where he will speak with students about the importance of staying in school and how education played an important role on his path to becoming a successful racecar driver. As part of the visit, Newman and representatives from Quicken Loans will deliver more than $10,000 in school supplies purchased by the Detroit-based company to the academy, which serves kindergarten through eighth-grade students (SHR), see an image of the scheme on the #39 Team Schemes page.(8-14-2013)

Humpy Wheeler: We got too fancy and messed up NASCAR: One of the most recognizable names in NASCAR says the sport is all messed up and in the need of changes and a serious boost. In a video posted on YouTube on Sunday, "Humpy" Wheeler says racing has gotten "too fancy" and left its fans behind. Wheeler is the former President and General Manager of the Lowes Motor Speedway, in Concord, and is known as one of the foremost promoters in NASCAR history. He now runs The Wheeler Company, a consulting management firm focusing on general business, professional sports, and motorsports. He says he's thought long and hard about what is wrong with NASCAR these days. "I think we've messed it up a little, folks. I think we got too fancy," he said in the video. "I think as it soared back in the 90's a lot of people wanted to change it. They didn't like the way it was, they thought it was too country or too unsophisticated or whatever. And those people were dead wrong."
"We need to put the emphasis on winning. And we need to put the emphasis on leading and passing people as the race progresses. Give points for the repass [...] People in the grandstand are gonna go crazy when we do that." He suggests that NASCAR give winners and leaders bigger bonuses. He says that will make races more exciting and that will bring fans back to the track. He says increases in the quality of TV broadcasting has hurt in-person attendance. "You've got to give them a reason to come back to the ballpark - whether the ballpark is a racetrack or whether it's stadium. Gotta give them a reason to come back. Part of that reason is excitement. That's the whole reason!"(in part from WBTV.com and view the video there)(8-14-2013)

Dillon to miss Nationwide qualifying to practice #14 car: Nationwide Series points leader Austin Dillon plans to start the race Saturday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course from the rear of the field, as he will miss qualifying Saturday morning while practicing a Sprint Cup car in Michigan. Dillon, who is replacing injured Tony Stewart in the Stewart-Haas Racing #14 car at Michigan International Speedway, plans to participate in as much Cup practice as possible Saturday morning. Dillon said Tuesday he was unsure who would qualify his Richard Childress Racing car for the Nationwide race. NASCAR rules require that a driver must start from the rear if there is a driver change from qualifying to the race. Because Mid-Ohio is new to the Nationwide schedule, the teams will get 5.5 hours of practice Thursday, plenty of time for Dillon to get used to the car and the course, where he's already tested this year. The tentative plan is to have Max Papis, who is already driving the Richard Childress Racing #33 Nationwide car, to shake down Dillon's car Friday while Dillon is in Michigan. Dillon has a three-point lead on Sam Hornish Jr., a five-point lead on Regan Smith, a 12-point lead on Elliott Sadler and an 18-point lead on Brian Vickers with 12 races left in the Nationwide season.(Sporting News)(8-14-2013)

Testing continues by many teams: Many NASCAR Sprint Cup teams saved some or all four of their allotted tests at Cup tracks to prepare for the Chase. Both Hendrick Motorsports and Michael Waltrip Racing kept their four tests for this point of the season. Penske Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing each have three tests remaining. Those teams all will use some tests before the Chase begins next month at Chicagoland Speedway. Hendrick Motorsports tests Tuesday and Wednesday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which hosts the second race in the Chase. Johnson qualified second there in July before his car failed inspection and he started at the rear. He rallied to finish sixth, but none of his teammates placed better than 10th.Here's a look at upcoming tests Cup teams have confirmed with tracks:Richmond International Raceway
Aug. 19-20: Penske Racing, Germain Racing
Aug. 20-21: Hendrick Motorsports, Michael Waltrip Racing
Oct. 15-16: Goodyear Tire test for 2014 (teams to be determined)Chicagoland Speedway
Aug. 27-28: Michael Waltrip Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Penske Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing
Sept. 24-25: Goodyear Tire test for 2014 (teams to be determined)New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Aug. 13-14: Hendrick Motorsports
Sept. 3-4: Richard Childress RacingDover International Speedway
Sept. 9-10: Joe Gibbs RacingKansas Speedway
Oct. 3: All Cup teams given a test day since Goodyear is bringing a new tireMartinsville Speedway
Oct. 7-8: Roush Fenway RacingTexas Motor Speedway
Oct. 14-15: Hendrick MotorsportsPhoenix International Raceway
Sept. 10-11: Goodyear Tire test with teams of Danica Patrick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Juan Pablo Montoya and Mark Martin.(Motor Racing Network)(8-14-2013)

Johnson voted 2nd Qtr Driver of the Year: As NASCAR's #48-Jimmie Johnson's season results accelerated he became the undisputed winner in the vote for the second quarter Driver of the Year Award 2013. The five-time Sprint Cup Champion tallied more than twice the points of his nearest challenger in the regular quarterly voting by an elite panel of American broadcasters and journalists. Johnson bookended the period (May 18 to July 7) which coincided with the Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway and ended with the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, with victories in those events. Despite all the titles and accolades Johnson appreciated the media's acknowledgement of his achievement.
It's always nice to be recognized for the work we do," said Johnson. "The #48 Lowe's crew has been performing every week and we have had some big wins including the All-Star race. I'm proud of the work our entire team has put in and it's showing on the track."
Barry Schmoyer, President of the Driver of the Year Foundation, commented "if you looked up the definition of champion, on and off the track, you'd find Jimmie Johnson there. His drive for six titles certainly picked up speed as the summer season began."
In the voting the 37-year old Johnson, who drives a Chevrolet SS for Hendrick Motorsports, had 14 first-place ballots and totaled 147 points according to the Driver of the Year points system. Ryan Hunter-Reay, who drives the DHL Dallara-Chevrolet for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar series, had one first-place vote and tallied 65 points. Tony Kanaan, the Indy 500 winner who drives for KV Racing Technology Dallara-Chevrolet, finished third with two first-place votes and 64 points. NASCAR driver, Matt Kenseth, winner of the first quarter Driver of the Year also had one first-place vote. A total of 23 drivers scored points in the second quarter voting.
In its' 47th year, the Driver of the Year title is unique. The panel of 18 leading journalists and broadcasters from across the U.S. determines the winner. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9, 6, 4,3,2,1 basis. Johnson will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch to be presented at a race weekend at to be determined. President of the Driver of the Year Foundation is Barry Schmoyer, businessman and sportsman of Sarasota, Florida.(DOTY PR)(8-14-2013)

Lepage in the #4 at Mid-Ohio: Veteran driver Kevin Lepage will make his 2013 debut in the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller #4 Chevy in Saturday's Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 Nationwide Series race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The series is racing at the 2.70-mile road course for the first time. Lepage has raced in six Nationwide races this year, but Saturday's run will be his first with JD Motorsports. "Kevin has been a strong racer for a long time," team owner Johnny Davis said. "We're glad to have him in our car this week. We're looking for a good weekend out there."(JD Motorsports)(8-14-2013)

McClure hospitalized; Green in the #14 at Mid=-Ohio: Due to an undisclosed illness that has left Eric McClure hospitalized, he will be sidelined for Saturday's inaugural race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. In McClure's absence, Jeff Green, former NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion and teammate to McClure at TriStar Motorsports, will pilot the #14 Hefty/Reynolds Toyota during the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200. McClure's status on returning to competition is week to week.
(TMI)(8-14-2013)

Truex to practice, qualify #9 for Ambrose: Marcos Ambrose will make his 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series debut this weekend at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course while he completes "double duty" with partners STANLEY and DEWALT. Ambrose will compete in Saturday's Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 and then return to the Michigan International Speedway to compete in Sunday's Pure Michigan 400. Ambrose will practice at Mid-Ohio on Thursday before going back to Michigan to practice and qualify for the Cup race on Friday. He will then practice Saturday morning and fly back to Ohio for the start of the race. Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) development driver Ryan Truex will step behind the wheel of the #9 STANLEY Ford Nationwide entry on Friday and Saturday for practice and qualifying.(Richard Petty Motorsports)(8-14-2013)

Nationwide Childrens' Hospital returns to the #99: Nationwide Children's Hospital returns this weekend as primary sponsor of the #99 Toyota Camry. RAB Racing will dedicate their hood to 17-year-old Janet Gregory, who was admitted to Nationwide Children's Hospital after a sledding accident left her paralyzed in January of this year. Janet was discharged on May 30th and is moving freely about her home in her power wheelchair thanks to the therapy and guidance she received. To make a $10 donation to Nationwide Children's Hospital, text KIDS to 50555.(RAB Racing)(8-14-2013)

McCall to run Bristol with RBR: Matt McCall will be piloting the #92 Black's Tire Chevy Silverado Wednesday, August 21 when the Camping World Truck Series hits the track for the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway. McCall, who is currently a race engineer on the #31 Chevy in the Sprint Cup Series, is known for being a dominant Late Model driver, earning over 75 wins in his career. One of those came at Bristol in March of 2009 in the UARA Series. While working at RCR, McCall's seat time has been limited. In addition to that, he keeps up his MX3 Consulting business for Late Model drivers. McCall's last Camping World Truck Series start was at Martinsville Speedway in October 2003.(Race22.com)(8-14-2013)

Fans may miss truck races when SPEED transitions to FOX Sports 1 UPDATE: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice sessions and the Camping World Truck Series race August 17 from Michigan International Speedway will be among the live telecasts on the first day Fox Sports 1 goes on air in place of the Speed cable network. And that could be a problem. Among those still negotiating carriage fees with Fox Sports 1 are DirecTV, Dish and Time Warner Cable. Spokesmen for DirecTV and TWC said Thursday that discussions are ongoing and Dish also has not signed a deal, according to the SportsBusiness Daily.
Speed is in nearly 86 million homes, but millions of its current subscribers won't be able to see Fox Sports 1 unless a carriage deal is finalized.
DirecTV has 20 million subscribers, Time Warner Cable serves 14.6 million customers and Dish has 14 million subscribers. Not all of those subscribers pay for packages that include Speed (and would include Fox Sports 1), but those are three of the largest television providers in the country.
According to the SportsBusiness Journal, Speed costs about 23 cents each month per subscriber, and Fox is looking to increase that to 80 cents per month.
It's not surprising that these negotiations go down to the wire, but it's enough to make NASCAR fans nervous as the channel they know as Speed will cease to exist when Fox Sports 1 is launched in its place in about a week.
A NASCAR spokesman declined comment as negotiations between the network and the cable and satellite operators continue.
Among the NASCAR programming scheduled for Fox Sports 1 for August 17 is all of the NASCAR activity at Michigan, both Sprint Cup Series practices as well as the truck qualifying and race.
Just three days later, August 21 at Bristol, Fox Sports 1 is scheduled to show both truck practices as well as the truck race that night.
That's a good deal of NASCAR content in the first seven days of the new network all of which NASCAR fans are in jeopardy of not seeing.(Sporting News)(8-9-2013)UPDATE: Twenty-First Century Fox Inc. has yet to strike deals to get Fox Sports 1 in the channel lineup of three of the biggest U.S. pay-TV companies days before it is scheduled to debut.
DirecTV, Dish Network Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc. have a total of about 46 million subscribers - about half the number Fox has promised investors it will reach with the new channel. Comcast Corp., Cox Communications Inc., Verizon Communications Inc.'s FiOS, AT&T Inc.'s U-verse, Cablevision Systems Corp., Charter Communications Inc. and Suddenlink Communications have reached deals to carry Fox Sports 1, representing about 45 million subscribers.(Bloomberg)(8-14-2013)

Coulter training for Michigan race: Joey Coulter will go through National Guard training with the Michigan National Guard on Thursday, August 15 in an effort to promote the Michigan National Guard 200 on Saturday, August 17. The Miami Springs, Fla. native will go through physical fitness training, electronic weapons simulator training, convoy and heat simulator training, and multiple obstacle courses in full gear with other Guard members.(Kyle Busch Motorsports PR)(8-14-2013)

Lofton set for eight races: Justin Lofton returns behind the wheel of the Sharp-Gallaher Racing #6 Chevy Silverado on August 21 to battle in the NASCAR Camping World Series under the lights of Bristol Motor Speedway. The Westmorland, California, native is scheduled to compete in eight of the final ten 2013 Camping World Truck Series events. Veteran crew chief Bryan Berry will lead the #6 team. Berry has over 200 starts as a crew chief in the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, working mostly with veteran driver Brendan Gaughan.(Sharp-Gallaher Racing PR)(8-14-2013)

Jones to debut with TSM in Bristol: It was announced today that Turner Scott Motorsports' NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver Brandon Jones will attempt to make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in the #33 Katy Spring Chevy Silverado at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The 16-year-old Jones participates in the UARA-Stars series full time for TSM and has seven top-10 finishes and is currently fifth in the points standings. Jones also runs part time in the NKNPSE for TSM and has four starts with one top 10 coming at Iowa Speedway in June. Jones will bring his NKNPSE Director of Competition Mike Greci to call the race at the UNOH 200.(Turner Scott Motorsports PR)(8-14-2013)

MIS Manufacturer's Trophy to make its debut: The 2013 Pure Michigan 400 will be the inaugural race of the MIS Manufacturer's Trophy. The award, inspired by the Stanley Cup, will recognize the winning manufacturer Ford, Toyota or Chevrolet after each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at MIS. Each manufacturer and MIS will donate $10,000 that will be given to a youth-related, STEM-related charity in Michigan. The trophy, featuring a sculpture similar to the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, and an architectural ode to the Detroit skyline, is expected to renew a fun "rivalry" between the automakers.(MIS)(8-14-2013)

Carter Oosterhouse named grand marshal for Pure Michigan 400: TV star Carter Oosterhouse has been named grand marshal for the Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 18. And a lucky fan will have the chance to be the honorary starter and wave the green flag. Oosterhouse, from Traverse City, Mich., is an easily recognizable television personality who got his start as a carpenter during the fourth season of TLC's "Trading Spaces." In 2007, he joined HGTV, hosting his own show called "Carter Can," which offered homeowners easy-to-follow insider tips. Carter's second show, "Red Hot & Green" hit television sets, providing viewers with great tips on Earth-friendly ideas. Carter's current hit, "Million Dollar Rooms," gives viewers a glimpse into the rooms of some of the richest people on Earth. The 36-year-old is also a model, having appeared in numerous photo shoots and publications. He was named by "People" magazine as one of the sexiest men on television in its "Sexiest Man Alive" edition. The Michigan native has also modeled for Hewlett Packard, Miller Lite and Gillette.
Fans of Pure Michigan also have the chance to join the action alongside Oosterhouse as the honorary starter at the race. As a part of a contest hosted on Pure Michigan's Facebook page, fans are invited to share why they want to wave the green flag at the Pure Michigan 400 for a chance to serve as the honorary starter on race day. The contest ran July 25 through August 8.(MIS)(8-14-2013)

News from August 13, 2013

Montoya will not be back with EGR in 2014: The Associated Press has learned #42-Juan Pablo Montoya will not be back for an eighth NASCAR season with Chip Ganassi. The team owner informed Montoya he will not bring the Colombian back for an eighth NASCAR season. Ganassi president Steve Lauletta announced the decision to the team Tuesday, multiple people present for the announcement told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Ganassi does not comment on driver contracts.(Associated Press)AND Team co-owner Felix Sabates later confirmed the move to SiriusXM's NASCAR channel. "We did not renew the contract for next year," Sabates told the channel. "It was a difficult decision. He understands. You have to move on in life sometimes. It's frustrating for everybody when you know you've got good equipment and you can't seem to put everything together still." Target is set to sponsor the #42 car next year. Several drivers could replace Montoya. Chase contenders Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman don't have contracts for next season. There are also several Nationwide drivers who could be available, including rookie Kyle Larson, who reportedly has several years remaining in a contact with Ganassi. #1-Jamie McMurray is expected to return to the other EGR car in 2014.(Sporting News)(8-13-2013)

What is up with #55 crew chief Childers & Mark Martin with MWR in 2014? There is still work to be done even before the 2014 season begins as Michael Waltrip Racing must sign crew chief Rodney Childers to the #55 car, something [Michael] Waltrip will want to do as soon as possible with Stewart-Haas Racing combing the garage to find a crew chief for #4-Kevin Harvick next year. "We're really close to putting Rodney together with Brian for many years to come," Waltrip said. "Brian and Rodney have a great relationship. They've known each other since they were kids. They love working together. There is a lot of harmony and confidence in one another."
As far as Mark Martin (who is running part-time in the #55 car for MWR), whether he has any sort of role at MWR is still to be determined. "We've talked a lot and we haven't made any formal decision," Waltrip said. "He certainly has put his footprint all over our company with the role he has played the last two years, not only driving the car but his commitment to physical fitness. & He's just been a huge part of who we are today."(Sporting News)AND The deal gives MWR two fully-sponsored cars for 2014 with Vickers and Aaron's on the #55, Martin Truex Jr. and NAPA on the #56. Waltrip said the #15 of Clint Bowyer still has 10 open races. He would like to find a sponsor that would fill the #15 and sponsor him for the Daytona 500 that he has won twice.(ESPN)(8-13-2013)

MWR to announce Vickers as 2014 driver of #55 UPDATE 2: Michael Waltrip Racing has scheduled a "major media announcement" for Tuesday morning at the Hall of Fame. The release has the Aaron's logo and a picture of Brian Vickers on it. Vickers has split the #55 with Mark Martin the last couple years and is widely expected to be the full time driver next season.(8-12-2013)UPDATE: Brian Vickers on Tuesday will be named the full-time driver of the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Sprint Cup car for 2014, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com. Team officials were not available for comment, but team owner Michael Waltrip has made it clear for several months that Vickers was his choice to take over the 55 car after this season.(ESPN)(8-12-2013)UPDATE 2: Aaron's announced it has reached a multi-year agreement [2 year deal] to sponsor Brian Vickers in Michael Waltrip Racing's (MWR) #55 Toyota Camry in every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. "We at Aaron's are thrilled about this partnership. We're building a championship organization and we know that Brian Vickers and the No. 55 team, under Michael Waltrip's tradition of winning, are focused on building a championship caliber team," said Ronald W. Allen, Aaron's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "So many of our customers are enthusiastic and loyal NASCAR fans and we are proud to be a part of a sport they are passionate about. We are looking forward to continued success with Brian Vickers both on and off the track." Vickers has raced the #55 on a part-time basis the last two seasons for MWR posting several impressive performances including his third career victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 14. Beginning in 2014, he'll pilot the #55 Aaron's Dream Machine with a fresh new paint scheme, unveiled today at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. in every race.
"I can't put into words how this makes me feel," said 29-year-old Vickers. "I've really found my home at MWR over the past few years, and I've enjoyed getting to know the Aaron's associates and customers. I am honored that Aaron's is welcoming me into their family full-time. Knowing that I have a top-notch team and a dedicated sponsor for a full season is a really great feeling every driver dreams about, and like everyone else, I want to win races and win a championship. Michael and co-owner Rob Kauffman are really building something special at MWR and are giving me the tools to accomplish those goals."
"Aaron's is a cornerstone to MWR's success. This is a big announcement today because it shows a tremendous vote of confidence in the sport of NASCAR and the entire Michael Waltrip Racing organization," said Michael Waltrip, founder and co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing. "The relationship with Aaron's is very personal to me because they helped place Michael Waltrip Racing on the map in 2000 when I was running a half dozen Nationwide Series races from a small garage in my backyard. Now they are enabling MWR to continue its growth as we will have three drivers racing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in 2014 and beyond. So much of this confidence comes from the NASCAR fans who continue to support the sponsors of our teams. I want to sincerely thank the NASCAR fans who are Aaron's customers because you make this all happen," said Waltrip.(MWR)(8-13-2013)

Watkins Glen TV Ratings: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing on ESPN averaged a 2.6/7 on Sunday, August 11th for the race from Watkins Glen. That's off -4% from last year's 2.7/6.MORE ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen International on Sunday, Aug. 11, earned a 2.7 U.S. household rating, averaging 4,171,328 viewers, according to the Nielsen Company. The rating and viewership were slightly down from last year's race, which earned a 2.8 U.S. rating and averaged 4,472,687 viewers. Greensboro, N.C., led all markets with an 8.1 rating, followed by Greenville, S.C., at 7.5 and Knoxville, Tenn., at 7.1. Birmingham, Ala., was fourth with 6.9 with Charlotte, N.C., and Richmond, Va., tied for fifth at 6.7. Rounding out the top 10 markets were Nashville, Tenn., 5.8; Norfolk, Va., 5.7; Jacksonville, Fla., 5.5 and Ft. Myers, Fla., 5.2. Ratings for ABC's telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen on Saturday, Aug.10, will be available later this week. See past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(8-13-2013)

Ross Kenseth to make ARCA debut: Ross Kenseth, the 20-year-old son of 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion #20-Matt Kenseth, will attempt to make his first ARCA Racing Series start on Sunday, Aug. 25, at Madison International Speedway. Driving the #52 Blain's Farm & Fleet Chevrolet for Ken Schrader Racing, Ross Kenseth's ARCA debut will occur just 100 miles from his hometown of Little Chute, Wis., and only 20 miles from Cambridge, Wis., the home of his famous father.(RossKenseth.com)(8-13-2013)

Dale Earnhardt's Grandson Arrested On DUI Charge: The grandson of the late Dale Earnhardt was arrested in Charleston on Monday (Aug 12th) on a drunken driving charge. Bobby Dale Earnhardt was charged with aggravated DUI. Charleston police said they heard tires squealing about 11:40 p.m. Monday on Washington Street on the city's West Side. They said they saw a car driving fast and making turns too wide. Charleston police were able to pull the car over and said Earnhardt failed a field sobriety test. He was arrested at the scene. Earnhardt was being held in the South Central Regional Jail awaiting arraignment. Aggravated DUI is a misdemeanor. Aggravated DUI means a person's blood alcohol is above 0.15. Police didn't indicate what Earnhardt's blood alcohol level was. Earnhardt is currently driving in the ARCA Truck Series.(WCHS-TV8)(8-13-2013)

Sale of Phoenix Racing finalized? Multiple sources say the sale of the #51-Phoenix Racing Sprint Cup Series team to Turner-Scott Motorsports principal Harry Scott, Jr. is now complete, and will be officially announced on September 1 weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Finch will continue to operate the team until then, in an effort to maintain its 27th-place owner points standing.(Godfather Motorsports)(8-13-2013)

Stewart-Haas firming up replacement driver plans UPDATES - Dillon at Michigan: Greg Zipadelli, competition director for Stewart-Haas Racing, said after the race [at Watkins Glen] that the team would make its decision Monday afternoon on who will drive Stewart's car next weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Zipadelli also said he hoped to have the team's plans for the rest of the year set by Wednesday. Although no timetable has been set for Stewart's return, indications are it's unlikely he'll race again this season. "Some cards are falling by the hour," Zipadelli said. "We'll take (Sunday night) and work things out. I want to get with (Stewart), and make sure he agrees and is happy with what we're going to do." Zipadelli said he planned to talk to Stewart either Sunday night or Monday about the choice.(Motor Racing Network)(8-12-2013)UPDATE: As NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart continues to recover from a broken right tibia and fibula suffered in a sprint car crash Aug. 5 at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Stewart-Haas Racing continues to field his #14 Chevy SS in the Sprint Cup Series. After veteran racer Max Papis drove the #14 Chevy to a 15th-place finish Sunday at Watkins Glen International to maintain the team's 11th-place standing in the Sprint Cup Series owner championship, SHR has named 23-year-old Austin Dillon interim driver of the #14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevy for the Pure Michigan 400 event Aug. 16-18 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Dillon is the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion and competes full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, where he currently leads the championship standings. SHR has not determined who the interim driver of the #14 Chevy will be for the Sprint Cup Series' following race Aug. 24 at Bristol Motor Speedway.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(8-21-2013)UPDATE 2: Greg Zipadelli said the team expects to know more about Stewart's future after a doctor's appointment Wednesday. Stewart was released Sunday night from a North Carolina hospital after a second surgery. "In the next couple of days, we'll probably be able to lay out the whole schedule," Zipadelli said. There hasn't been a driver named for the Aug. 24 race at Birstol Motor Speedway as SHR considers substitutes for Stewart on a race-to-race basis. Zipadelli said Dillon could become the short-term answer if he performed well at Michigan. "We'd rather have one or two drivers if we can work it out, that'll give us some consistency and build some communication between the crew and driver and give us our best chance. We're working on some of that stuff now. It may be more than two, maybe three or four. If that's the case, we'll look at each individual racetrack and see who's available who runs best at the track and make the best choice we can." Dillon also will be racing in Saturday's Nationwide event at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Because it's the series' debut at the track, he will have a full test day Thursday that will allow him to skip two Friday practices in his #3 Chevy while he practices and qualifies Stewart's car at Michigan.(USA Today)(8-13-2013)

Advil on the #1 at Michigan: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and the #1 team with Jamie McMurray announced their partnership with the new fast acting Advil product at Michigan International Speedway for the Pure Michigan 400 taking place on Sunday, August 18. Advil, the name that millions of people have trusted for their aches and pains for more than 25 years, will be introducing a new product, fast acting Advil film coated tablets, available in stores beginning August 19.(Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing), see an image of the car on the #1 team paint schemes page.(8-13-2013)

Johnson and Kyle Busch getting most TV mentions: #48-Jimmie Johnson and #18-Kyle Busch have accounted for 16.6% of all NASCAR driver mentions on TV so far this season according to a report from Joyce Julius. Statistics reflect all live race telecasts and replays of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season through Indianapolis (Race #20).

Driver

Interviews

Interview Time

Mentions

#48-Johnson

18

20:21

3451

#18-Busch

21

21:02

3022

#20-Kenseth

23

19:39

2661

#5-Kahne

21

16:44

2150

#11-Hamlin

15

14:07

1760

#2-Keselowski

16

11:59

1722

#22-Logano

11

10:59

1704

#24-Gordon

20

20:38

1638

#88-Earnhardt, Jr.

13

11:48

1611

#99-Edwards

13

14:06

1609

Also of note: #14-Tony Stewart is 12th in mentions and #10-Danica Patrick is 19th.(Joyce Julius)(8-13-2013)

Watkins Glen Race and Commercial Breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 1:02 pm, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 4:19pm/et. Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 106
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 52
Number of times ESPN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 35
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 3 min. 55 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:02 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 4:19 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 197
Minutes of race broadcast: 149
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 48
Number of missed restarts: 0 (but two very close calls)
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
Total race brdcst time 148 Total comm. brdcst time 48
See more races, links to more detailed reports on the 2013 TV Commercials page.(8-13-2013)

Michigan International Speedway News & Notes:
• Michigan International Speedway sits on more than 1,400 acres in the "Irish Hills" of Southeastern Michigan. Ground-breaking took place on Sept. 28, 1967.
• The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan was held June 15, 1969 won by Cale Yarborough at a speed of 139.254 mph.
• The track was known as Michigan Speedway during the time Roger Penske was the primary owner (1996-99).
• The 2-mile speedway underwent a repave in 2012.
• There have been 88 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan International Speedway since the first race there in 1969. Other than 1973, which had just one race, there have been two races each season since 1969.
• The first race was 500 miles in length; the second was scheduled for 600. The track was re-measured to 2.04 miles for the last race in 1970 and both races in 1971 with the race distance being 402 miles. All other races have been scheduled for 400 miles.
• 365 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway; 267 in more than one.
• Bill Elliott leads the series in starts at Michigan with 61. Terry Labonte and Mark Martin lead all active drivers with 55 starts each.
• Donnie Allison won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Michigan in 1969 with a speed of 160.135 mph.
• 44 drivers have Coors Light poles at Michigan, led by David Pearson with 10. Bill Elliott leads all active drivers with six; followed by Jeff Gordon with five.
• Six drivers have won consecutive Coors Light poles at Michigan. David Pearson holds the record for most consecutive poles at Michigan with five; fall 1976 through 1978.
• Four active drivers have posted consecutive Coors Light poles at Michigan: Terry Labonte (1983 sweep), Bill Elliott (1984 sweep and 1988 sweep), Bobby Labonte (2003 sweep), and Brian Vickers (fall 2008 2009 sweep).
• 34 different NSCS drivers have won at Michigan International Speedway, led by David Pearson with nine wins. Bill Elliott leads all active drivers with seven; followed by Mark Martin with five.
• Eight drivers have posted consecutive wins at Michigan International Speedway, including four consecutive by Bill Elliott (1985 sweep and 1986 sweep).
• Roush Fenway Racing has the most wins at Michigan in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 13: Mark Martin (four), Greg Biffle (four), Carl Edwards (two), Matt Kenseth (two) and Kurt Busch (one).
• Eight different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Michigan; led by Ford with 33 victories; followed by Chevrolet with 20.
• 16 of the 88 (18.1%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Brian Vickers in 2009.
• The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (16) than any other starting position at Michigan International Speedway.
• 24 of the 88 (27.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan have been won from the front row: 16 from the pole and eight from second place.
• 66 of the 88 (75%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan have been won from a top-10 starting position.
• Six of the 88 (6.8%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
• The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Michigan was 32nd, by Mark Martin in the spring of 2009.
• Jeff Gordon leads the series in runner-up finishes at Michigan with eight; followed by Darrell Waltrip with seven.
• NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough leads the series in top-five finishes at Michigan with 21; Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin lead all active drivers with 18 each.
• Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Michigan with 31; followed by Bill Elliott with 29.
• Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Michigan with a 9.565.
• Carl Edwards leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Michigan with an 8.222. Matt Kenseth (9.429) is the only other active driver with an average finish in the top 10.
• All 16 active NASCAR Sprint Cup winners at Michigan International Speedway participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Tony Stewart won at Michigan in his third appearance, the fewest previous starts among the active NSCS winners.
• Kevin Harvick competed at Michigan International Speedway 19 times before winning in the fall of 2010; the longest span of any the 16 active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
• Among the 16 active NSCS Michigan winners Kevin Harvick (19), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (17) Kyle Busch (13), Bill Elliott (13), Jeff Gordon (11) and Brian Vickers (11) all made 10 or more attempts before their first win.
• Terry Labonte leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup starts at Michigan without visiting Victory Lane at 55.
• Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway was the June 10, 2001 race won by Jeff Gordon over Ricky Rudd with a MOV of 0.085 second.
• There have been two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Michigan International Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): fall of 2011 (200/203); and fall of 2012 (200/201).
• Four of the 88 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan International Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was the event on 6/18/2006.
• Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway four times; most recently the spring of 2008 race.
• Three drivers have posted their first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Michigan International Speedway: Jeff Burton (8/18/1996), J.J. Yeley (6/17/2007) and Marcos Ambrose (6/17/2012).
• Two active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver have posted their first career start at Michigan International Speedway: Carl Edwards (8/22/2004) and Landon Cassill (6/13/2010).
• Bill Elliott leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Michigan with 1,004 laps led in 61 starts. Jeff Gordon has led the second-most with 954.
• Four female drivers have competed at Michigan International Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Janet Guthrie, Robin McCall, Shawna Robinson and Danica Patrick.(NASCAR)(8-31-2013)

Dillon will skip Nationwide qualifying to be in Michigan: Nationwide Series points leader #3-ustin Dillon plans to start the race Saturday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course from the rear of the field, as he will miss qualifying Saturday morning while practicing a Sprint Cup car in Michigan. Dillon, who is replacing injured Tony Stewart in the Stewart-Haas Racing #14 car at Michigan International Speedway, plans to participate in as much Cup practice as possible Saturday morning with sessions scheduled for 8:30-9:25am/et, as well as 11-11:55am/et. Qualifying for the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio is slated for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, with the race scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Dillon said Tuesday he was unsure who would qualify his Richard Childress Racing car for the Nationwide race. NASCAR rules require that a driver must start from the rear if there is a driver change from qualifying to the race.(Sporting News)(8-13-2013)

Hackenbracht returns to the #44: TriStar Motorsports driver Chad Hackenbracht will return to his home track on Saturday to make his road course debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. It will be a homecoming for Hackenbracht, who grew up in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and whose #44 Toyota Camry will carry sponsorship from Ohio based Tastee Apple Inc. The Inaugural Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 will be the first time many Nationwide Series drivers have sat behind the wheel on the 2.258 mile paved road course. Fortunately for Hackenbracht, he recently had the opportunity to race at Mid-Ohio in a 1989 RX-7 in a local event sanctioned by NASA. The added seat time at the unfamiliar track will give Hackenbracht an edge on the competition. In addition to his time at Mid-Ohio, the 22-year-old recently participated in a road course test at Virginia International Raceway.(TriStar Motorsports)(8-13-2013)

Tremor to pace National Guard 200: The new 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor will pace the field at Michigan International Speedway for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Michigan National Guard 200 on August 17.
The new Tremor is the first EcoBoost-powered sport truck, and the only major modification to the pace truck is a number of safety lights required by NASCAR. The "ground-breaking" 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine features: 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel, 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. The non-pace Tremor will go on sale this fall according to Ford.
(Auto World News)(8-13-2013)

Dillon's Eldora truck now at Hall of Fame: It had been 43 years since Richard Petty piloted the #43 Plymouth to victory on the dirt surface of the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. It was the last time that one of NASCAR's national series compered on a dirt track.
That was until July 24, 2013, when Austin Dillon returned to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series to win the 1-800 CarCash Mudsummer Classic Presented by CNBC's Prime the Profit at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
Less than a month after that historic Wednesday night, Dillon ventured to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., with his crew in tow to unveil the race-winning truck in the Great Hall. The exhibit will be on display for a limited time.
In addition to the #39 American Ethanol Chevy he drove to Victory Lane at Eldora, the unique trophy Dillon received for winning and a jar filled with dirt he collected with a gold shovel the track provided shortly after the race are also part of the exhibit.(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-13-2013)

Camping options available at Richmond: Fans looking for daily and overnight RV parking during the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR weekend at Richmond International Raceway September 6-7, should look no further than the BLUE OX Meadowbridge Unreserved RV Parking (Lot J). This lot opens at noon on Thursday, September 5 and at 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday for daily and overnight RV parking. BLUE OX Meadowbridge Unreserved daily and overnight RV parking spaces are available for oversized vehicles, RVs and motorcoaches in Lot J. Passes for BLUE OX Meadowbridge Unreserved RV Parking can be purchased in advance for $90 for the weekend. The lot has continuous tram service throughout the day until approximately an hour and a half post-race Friday-Saturday, as well as 24-hour security. Sites do not contain utilities (no power, water or waste connections). Shower facilities are available for $5 per shower. Portable restrooms are provided. New for September 2013, Richmond International Raceway offers tent camping in Lot J. Fans may purchase a reserved 25' x 45' tent camping spot for $75 by calling 866-455-7223. Fans must have two or more Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets in their account to purchase a reserved tent camping spot in that account.(RIR)(8-13-2013)

News from August 12, 2013

Entry List for the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted, 44 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #14-Austin Dillon, #21-Bayne, #32-Hill, #51-Gaughan, #95-Speed, #98-Sauter. #19-Bliss would have to get in by speed and be in the top 36 in speed as the team is too far down the owners points list to use a provisional.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Michigan Entry List

Gaughan in the #51 at Michigan: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series title contender Brendan Gaughan said that he will do double-duty this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, running the Camping World Truck Series for Richard Childress Racing and Sunday's Sprint Cup Series event for James Finch's Phoenix Racing. "I'll be running the #51 Chevy for James Finch this weekend," said Gaughan on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio's SiriusXM Speedway. "It will be the South Point Resort and Casino Chevy," confirmed Gaughan, who currently stands sixth in the Truck Series championship standings, 75 behind leader Matt Crafton. "We're aiming for a Top-20 finish, which would be one of their best showings of the year."(Godfather Motorsports)(8-12-2013)

Stewart-Haas firming up replacement driver plans UPDATE - Dillon at Michigan: Greg Zipadelli, competition director for Stewart-Haas Racing, said after the race [at Watkins Glen] that the team would make its decision Monday afternoon on who will drive Stewart's car next weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Zipadelli also said he hoped to have the team's plans for the rest of the year set by Wednesday. Although no timetable has been set for Stewart's return, indications are it's unlikely he'll race again this season. "Some cards are falling by the hour," Zipadelli said. "We'll take (Sunday night) and work things out. I want to get with (Stewart), and make sure he agrees and is happy with what we're going to do." Zipadelli said he planned to talk to Stewart either Sunday night or Monday about the choice.(Motor Racing Network)(8-12-2013)UPDATE: As NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart continues to recover from a broken right tibia and fibula suffered in a sprint car crash Aug. 5 at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Stewart-Haas Racing continues to field his #14 Chevy SS in the Sprint Cup Series. After veteran racer Max Papis drove the #14 Chevy to a 15th-place finish Sunday at Watkins Glen International to maintain the team's 11th-place standing in the Sprint Cup Series owner championship, SHR has named 23-year-old Austin Dillon interim driver of the #14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevy for the Pure Michigan 400 event Aug. 16-18 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Dillon is the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion and competes full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, where he currently leads the championship standings. SHR has not determined who the interim driver of the #14 Chevy will be for the Sprint Cup Series' following race Aug. 24 at Bristol Motor Speedway.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(8-21-2013)

MWR to announce Vickers as 2014 driver of #55? UPDATE: Michael Waltrip Racing has scheduled a "major media announcement" for Tuesday morning at the Hall of Fame. The release has the Aaron's logo and a picture of Brian Vickers on it. Vickers has split the #55 with Mark Martin the last couple years and is widely expected to be the full time driver next season.(8-12-2013)UPDATE: Brian Vickers on Tuesday will be named the full-time driver of the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Sprint Cup car for 2014, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com. Team officials were not available for comment, but team owner Michael Waltrip has made it clear for several months that Vickers was his choice to take over the 55 car after this season.(ESPN)(8-12-2013)

Nationwide Mid-Ohio Entry List:There are 42 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. A few notes:
Ron Fellows will be in the #5 for JR Motorsports;
Marcos Ambrose will drive the #9 for Richard Petty Motorsports;
Stanton Barrett is in the Rick Ware #15;
Michael McDowell will drive the #18 for Joe Gibbs;
A.J. Allmendinger will drive the #22 for Penske Racing;
Anthony Gandon will return to the #23;
Max Papis will drive the RCR #33;
Alx Danielsson is expected to drive the #73 for Creation Cope.(8-12-2013)
See the complete list on the Mid-Ohio entry list page.

Entry list: There are 31 trucks on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's National Guard 200 at Michigan International Speedway. Some notes include:
Brett Moffitt is in the #16;
Joey Logano returns to the #19;
Kyle Busch is in his own #51;
Danny Efland in the #50;(8-12-2013)
See the complete list on the MIS entry list page

350th start for Red Horse: This weekend at Michigan International Speedway, Red Horse Racing will embark on a new milestone in their Camping World Truck Series career. With its three entries in the Michigan National Guard 200, the top-tiered Truck Series team will make their 350th Truck Series start. The team is currently competing in their ninth season and has amassed 11 wins, 11 poles, 72 top-five, and 141 top-10 finishes in their brief existence.(Red Horse Racing PR)(8-12-2013)

News from August 11, 2013

Stewart released from hospital: According to a Tweet from Stewart Haas Racing, "Tony Stewart is out of the hospital & resting as comfortably as he can at home. Thx for the thoughts & prayers.".(8-11-2013)

Kyle Busch wins Watkins Glen:#18-Kyle Busch won the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International for his 3rd win of 2013 and 27th career win.
#2-Keselowski finished 2nd followed by #56-Truex, Jr., #99-Edwards, #42-Montoya, #15-Bowyer, #22-Logano, #48-Johnson, #78-Busch, and #47-Allmendinger.
Pole sitter #9-Ambrose led 51 laps early in the race but wrecked with 6 laps to go, while running 10th, and finished 31st.
#14-Max Papis, subbing for Tony Stewart, finished 15th.
There were 5 lead changes among 5 drivers and 8 cautions for 21 yellow flag laps. There was a 22 minute red flag midway through the race for oil cleanup on the track after an accident.
The average speed was 87.001mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Watkins Glen Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Watkins Glen Penalty Report (pdf).
(8-11-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Watkins Glen:
Kyle Busch won the 28th Annual Cheez-It 355 at The Glen, his 27th victory in 315 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his third victory and 14th top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his second victory and eighth consecutive top-10 finish at Watkins Glen International. He's competed in nine races at Watkins Glen International.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his third top-10 finish in four races at Watkins Glen International. It is his 11th top-10 finish in 2013.
Martin Truex Jr. (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in eight races at Watkins Glen International.
Jimmie Johnson leads the point standings by 75 points over Clint Bowyer.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-11-2013)

Johnson can clinch Chase spot at Watkins Glen UPDATE: It's that time of the year. One championship contender - #48-Jimmie Johnson - can clinch a berth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on Sunday at Watkins Glen International. The five-time Sprint Cup champion is the sole driver holding a clinch scenario this weekend. Johnson has to leave The Glen with a 193-point lead over the 11th place driver. Currently, he holds a 178-point lead over 11th, which is occupied by #14-Tony Stewart. Stewart will miss Sunday's race after breaking a leg in a sprint car race on Monday night. Reigning Sprint Cup champion #2-Brad Keselowski is 12th, 180 points behind Johnson. Johnson is the only competitor to have qualified for the Chase field in all nine seasons. A win at The Glen will guarantee Johnson at least a Wild Card entry into this year's post season. He has won four times already as has #20-Matt Kenseth. But mathematically - and officially - speaking, Kenseth cannot lock up a Wild Card spot just yet. There are other Johnson finishes that would give the five-time champion at least a Wild Card clinch depending on finishes from other competitors.(NASCAR)(8-7-2013)UPDATE: Jimmie Johnson's 8th place finish, combined with other drivers' results, has locked him into the 2013 Chase for the Sprint Cup, through at least a wild card spot.(8-11-2013)

McaArdle joins Childress; Newman to the #29? Richard Childress Racing has named Mark McArdle as their Director of Racing Operations on a full-time basis, effective this weekend at Watkins Glen International. For the past four years, McArdle was with Furniture Row Racing, first as Director of Competition and this year holding the title of Executive Director of Competition. This season, his duties have included operating on a shared basis between RCR and Furniture Row Racing, which has had a technical alliance with RCR since 2010. McArdle will report to Dr. Eric Warren, Director of Competition for RCR, and still work closely with Furniture Row Racing, but from the RCR facility and not traveling to FRR's facilities in Colorado.(RCR)(8-11-2013)AND: The move comes at a time when RCR is looking to fill the ride vacated by #29-Kevin Harvick and hoping to retain its technical alliance with Furniture Row and is in exploratory discussions with JTG-Daugherty Racing to add the organization's # 47 team to the fold as well. Currently FRR is weighing its options with other manufacturers since its contract with Chevy runs out at the end of the year. Toyota has visited FRR in Denver but nothing has been formalized either way. FRR principals have put their driver selection on hold until after the manufacturer decision has been made, which should be over the next couple of weeks. As for RCR, sources say Ryan Newman has taken the lead in the search to find a driver to replace Harvick, who is leaving at the end of the season. A new twist to the story could be the addition of crew chief Matt Borland with Newman as a package deal for RCR.(Fox Sports)(8-11-2013)

Dillon has talked to Stewart-Haas: Nationwide Series points leader Austin Dillon confirmed he has had talks with Stewart-Haas Racing about possibly driving the #14 car in place of the injured Tony Stewart. Dillon, a 23-year-old Richard Childress Racing driver, has strong ties and associate sponsorship from Bass Pro Shops, which also is a primary sponsor of Stewart in Cup. "We've been talking a little bit," Dillon said Saturday morning after Nationwide Series qualifying at Watkins Glen. "We'll see. I feel pretty confident that we can do it and be fine. Hopefully we can do some of them. I'd like to." Dillon is schedule to do a few more Cup races in the #33 car in a vehicle prepared by Richard Childress Racing and fielded by Circle Sport Racing but could easily move to SHR for those events.(Sporting News)(8-11-2013)

Angie Johnson, Grand Marshal of Cheez-It 355, sings Anthem: Sony Music Nashville singer Angie Johnson will perform the National Anthem prior to the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen on Sunday. Johnson, a U.S. Air Force staff sergeant, made it to the final round on Cee Lo Green's team on "The Voice" after garnering the attention of 3.2-million viewers on YouTube her rendition of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep." Johnson will join Brad Davidson, president, Kellogg North America and Darcey Macken, president, Kellogg USA Sales to say the most famous words in motorsports, "Drivers, Start Your Engines," after the final note of the Star-Spangled Banner.(WGI)(8-11-2013)

News from August 10, 2013

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International have been made.
Pole sitter #9-Ambrose chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #15-Bowyer took pit stall 38, the only other pitstall with an opening in front of it.
#56-Truex, Jr., who starts 3rd took the 37th pit stall, with an opening behind it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #1-McMurray, who starts 6th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-10-2013)

Ambrose wins Watkins Glen pole: #9-Marcos Ambrose won the pole for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International with a TRACK RECORD speed of 128.241mph for his 1st pole of 2013 and 3rd of his career. #15-Bowyer is on the outside pole, followed by #56-Truex, Jr., #47-Allmendinger, #18-Busch, #1-McMurray, #27-Menard, #2-Keselowski, #22-Logano, and #20-Kenseth. No drivers missed the race as there were 43 entries for 43 starting spots.
See pole progression, pdf links, qualifying results and starting lineup on Jayski's Watkins Glen Starting Lineup / Qualifying page.(8-10-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Watkins Glen:
Marcos Ambrose won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 28th Annual Cheez-It 355 at The Glen with a lap of 68.777 seconds, 128.241 mph.
His qualifying lap set a track qualifying record that was previously held by Juan Pablo Montoya (127.02 mph in 2012). Ten drivers surpassed the old track record: Ambrose, Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex Jr., AJ Allmendinger, Kyle Busch, Jamie McMurray, Paul Menard, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano & Matt Kenseth.
This is his third pole in 177 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. His previous pole was at Sonoma Raceway in 2012.
This is his first pole and eighth top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in six races at Watkins Glen International.
Clint Bowyer (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2013 and his second in eight races at Watkins Glen International.
Martin Truex Jr. (third) posted his third top-10 start at Watkins Glen International. It is his 10th in 22 races this season.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-10-2013)

Regan Smith would be open to filling in with #14 team: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Friday he would be for JR Motorsports driver Regan Smith filling in for Tony Stewart even though Smith is racing for a Nationwide championship. Smith said that he "would be open to the possibilities" and has texted with Stewart-Haas Racing officials this week but not had formal conversations. Next week is [tricky] with the Sprint Cup series at Michigan International Speedway and the Nationwide Series competing at Mid-Ohio. While both tracks are relatively close, their schedules do not align well. That would make it challenging for a driver to go back and forth. One option for Stewart-Haas Racing at Michigan could be Scott Riggs, who has tested on ovals for the team. After that, the Cup and Nationwide Series will be together most of the rest of the year. The exception is when the Cup series races Sept. 22 at New Hampshire and Nationwide runs at Kentucky the day before. Smith, who is second in the Nationwide point standings to Austin Dillon, is a logical choice for a variety of reasons. Smith has Cup experience, having run 171 races and won the 2011 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Smith is an easy pick because of the ties to Hendrick Motorsports. Both Jr Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing have ties to car owner Rick Hendrick's team. Smith admits it would be a challenge to run both the JR Motorsports car in Nationwide and Stewart's Cup car, but he'd be for it if offered.(Motor Racing Network)(8-10-2013)

Patrick talks to Kvapil: #10-Danica Patrick, who has been criticized by #93-Travis Kvapil after two wrecks between the two in recent weeks, called the Wisconsin driver earlier this week to talk about the incidents. Kvapil was frustrated following their accident last week at Pocono, saying he was done racing Patrick clean. "I did call him and did talk to him," Patrick said Friday prior to Cup practice at Watkins Glen International "I felt like it was time to do that. It was a good conversation. Hopefully we don't have any more issues in the future. It's not good to crash cars. I don't want to be in that position. I don't want to be in the position to take anyone with me."(Sporting News)

Goodyear chooses tire for Atlanta race: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company often takes what it learns at the NASCAR track and transfers that into its consumer tires. Now comes an example of how street technology that has been used for years, has transferred to the track. Based on several tests over the past year, and most specifically a session this past Tuesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Goodyear's racing division will utilize "zone tread" technology for its race recommendation for the upcoming race at that track.
For its new Atlanta right-side tire, Goodyear has combined one compound (run recently at Michigan) to help control heat on the inner half of the tread with a different tread (run previously at Atlanta) to give the cars more grip. It will be paired with the more traditional left-side tire run at Atlanta last season.
Goodyear first used the zone tread concept with its revolutionary Assurance TripleTred passenger tire back in 2004. That tire, designed for all-weather conditions, combines three distinct tread zones for wet, icy and dry conditions. This is the second notable example of how Goodyear has transferred street technology to its racing tires. For the 2009 racing season, the tire maker introduced a wet weather radial for use in the NASCAR Nationwide Series that has a tread pattern based on the "street" Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season tire.(Goodyear)(8-10-2013)

Geoff Bodine inducted into Legends of the Glen: Popular race car driver Geoff Bodine was inducted into Legends of The Glen on Friday afternoon. Bodine, a native of Chemung, NY, raced at Watkins Glen International from 1986 through 2000 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The third-generation driver's accomplishments at Watkins Glen International include three Top-5s and his eventual final win in the series, which came in 1996. Bodine also competed at Watkins Glen International in NASCAR's Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, as well as the IROC Series, among other touring series during a career that spanned more than four decades. In 2012, the Green Grandstand was renamed the Bodine Grandstand in recognition of contributions to The Glen by Geoff and younger brothers Todd and Brett. Since 2008, Watkins Glen International has selected drivers from all racing backgrounds to the elite class known as The Legends of The Glen. Last year's inductees included: Former sports car and Formula 1 great Derek Bell; sportscar legend Scott Pruett; and James Hunt, who was inducted posthumously.(WGI)(8-10-2013)

Fox Sports reaches deal to broadcast United SportsCar: FOX Sports and IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) announced today a five-year multi-media rights deal that solidifies United SportsCar Racing's home on television through the 2018 season. Today's announcement, which comes on the heels of last week's news that FOX Sports will broadcast NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races through 2024, bolsters FOX's expansive motorsports coverage. The agreement also includes coverage of IMSA's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge for five years. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. With the 2014 schedule still being finalized, exact distribution plans currently are being determined, but fans can expect to see a mix of races available on both FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. Under the new arrangement, FOX Sports also has the right to stream all IMSA races as part of its FOX Sports GO product. IMSA retains additional digital rights including alternate camera angles and full race replays.(NASCAR)(8-10-2013)

Keselowski wins Nationwide race at Watkins Glen: #22-Brad Keselowski won the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International. It is his 4th win of the season and the 24th of his Nationwide career. #12-Sam Hornish, Jr. finished second followed by #20-Brian Vickers, #7-Regan Smith, #11-Elliott Sadler, #77-Parker Kligerman, #31-Justin Allgaier, #44-Cole Whitt, #30-Nelson Piquet, Jr., and #6-Trevor Bayne. Points leader #3-Austin Dillon finished 12th. There were 5 cautions for 15 laps and 7 lead changes among 6 leaders. Complete results are on the Watkins Glen race results page (pdf).(8-10-2013)

Watkins Glen Nationwide Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski(i) won the 19th Annual Zippo 200 at The Glen, his 24th victory in 199 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his fourth victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in five races at Watkins Glen International.
This is his fourth straight win in four consecutive starts. Ryan Newman (2005), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2002-2004) and Mark Martin (1993) had five straight wins in five consecutive starts.
Sam Hornish Jr. (second) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Watkins Glen International. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2013.
Brian Vickers (third) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Watkins Glen International.
Nelson Piquet Jr. (ninth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Austin Dillon leads the point standings by 3 points over Sam Hornish Jr.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-10-2013)

Hornish, Jr. on Nationwide pole at Watkins Glen: #12-Sam Hornish, Jr. won the Coors Light Pole for the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International with a track record speed of 123.291mph.#54-Kyle Busch will start second. The rest of the top 10: #48-Joey Logano, #7-Regan Smith, #22-Brad Keselowski, #31-Justin Allgaier, #30-Nelson Piquet, Jr., #20-Brian Vickers, #77-Parker Kligerman, and #2-Brain Scott. Did Not Qualify: none. The starting lineup is posted on the Watkins Glen starting lineup page (pdf).(8-10-2013)

Watkins Glen Nationwide Qualifying Notes:
Sam Hornish Jr. won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 19th Annual Zippo 200 at The Glen with a lap of 71.538 seconds, 123.291 mph.
His qualifying lap broke the old track record of 123.241 mph set by Kurt Busch in August 2011.
This is his third pole in 87 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his second pole and 17th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his second pole in three races at Watkins Glen International.
Kyle Busch(i) (second) posted his 12th top-10 start of 2013 and his sixth in seven races at Watkins Glen International.
Joey Logano(i) (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Watkins Glen International. It is his sixth in ten races this season.
Nelson Piquet Jr. (seventh) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-10-2013)

Qualifying Order for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
Drivers will go out in 8 separate groups, based on speeds from the first practice session. Slower cars go out first, faster cars last.
The first group is #36-Gonzalez, Jr., #7-Blaney, #19-Kennedy, #40-Cassill, #87-Drissi, and #52-Keselowski.
The final scheduled group is: #56-Truex, Jr., #9-Ambrose, #99-Edwards, #42-Montoya, and #13-Mears.
See the full qualifying order on the Watkins Glen Qualifying Page.(8-9-2013)

Stremme gets two race sponsor: Genny Light recently became a primary sponsor for Swan Racing's #30 Toyota driven by David Stremme. Genny Light will sponsor the team for two races, the first of which is this weekend at Watkins Glen International. The second Genny Light sponsored race will take place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September. "Genny Light is a fan favorite in upstate New York. It's brewed in Rochester about an hour and a half away from Watkins Glen," said Stremme. "We hope local fans will come out to see us race. The Genny Light paint looks great on the car."(Swan Racing), see an image of the car on the #30 team paint schemes page.(8-9-2013)

First Friday practice for the Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is over after 41 minutes, the top five, slowest and notes.
#56-Truex, Jr. 127.238
#9-Ambrose 125.220
#99-Edwards 125.206
#42-Montoya 124.973
#13-Mears 124.887
slowest: .#87-Drissi 118.561 & #52-Keselowski 115.288.
Notes: Due to morning rains, this session did not start until 3:50pm/et. NASCAR will use this practice session to set the groups for tomorrow's qualifying session, which is scheduled for 11:40am/et and will be shown on ESPN2.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Watkins Glen Practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-9-2013)

Revised schedule at Watkins Glen: It rained much of the morning at Watkins Glen International. However, rain has stopped and jet dryers are on track. The weather forecast looks good for this afternoon. The revised schedule is as follows: Sprint Cup practice - 3:00-4:00pm/et, Nationwide practice 4:05-5:30pm/et, and final Cup practice 5:35-6:30pm/et. Both Series are scheduled to qualify tomorrow.UPDATE: It's taking longer that expected to get the track dry, the start of Cup practice is being delayed.(8-9-2013)UPDATE 2: The newest revised schedule is as follows:
Sprint Cup practice: 3:50-4:20pm/et;
Nationwide final practice: 4:35-5:30pm/et;
Sprint Cup final practice: 5:35-6:30pm/et.(8-9-2013)

Cable providers still negotiating with Fox over Fox Sports 1: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice sessions and the Camping World Truck Series race Aug. 17 from Michigan International Speedway will be among the live telecasts on the first day Fox Sports 1 goes on air in place of the Speed cable network. And that could be a problem. Among those still negotiating carriage fees with Fox Sports 1 are DirecTV, Dish and Time Warner Cable. Spokesmen for DirecTV and TWC said Thursday that discussions are ongoing and Dish also has not signed a deal, according to the SportsBusiness Daily. Speed is in nearly 86 million homes, but millions of its current subscribers won't be able to see Fox Sports 1 unless a carriage deal is finalized. According to the SportsBusiness Journal, Speed costs about 23 cents each month per subscriber, and Fox is looking to increase that to 80 cents per month. It's not surprising that these negotiations go down to the wire, but it's enough to make NASCAR fans nervous as the channel they know as Speed will cease to exist when Fox Sports 1 is launched in its place in about a week.(Sporting News)(8-9-2013)

Star Coach Race Tours sponsoring Brian Keselowski: #52-Brian Keselowski Motorsports will have a new sponsor on board this weekend for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen. Brian Keselowski will be back behind the wheel of the #52 Toyota for team's 5th start of the season. Star Coach Race Tours is the premier resource for all-inclusive travel packages at race events. They pride themselves on the ability to deliver a turn-key, no hassle, race tour for race fans. Star Coach Race Tour's all-inclusive race packages include luxury tour bus accommodations, infield race tickets, premium infield campsites, all meals and snacks, beverages, and airport transfers. My 3 Sons, a Florida based Amusement and Vending Company will also join the team's effort for the Cheez-it 355 at The Glen.(BK Motorsports)(8-9-2013)

Hornish fastest in Nationwide practice: #12-Sam Hornish was fastest during the only practice at Watkins Glen International with a speed of 122.485mph. #22-Brad Keselowski was second, followed by: #7-Regan Smith, #54-Kyle Busch, #48-Joey Logano, #5-Kasey Kahne, #2-Brian Scott, #77-Parker Kligerman, #31-Justin Allgaier, and #20-Brian Vickers. 38 drivers got a full lap in during the session. See complete results on the Watkins Glen practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-9-2013)

O'Connell in the #74 at Watkins Glen UPDATE: Veteran road coarse racer Kevin O'Connell is returning to the seat of Mike Harmon's #74 NNS car for Watkins Glenn and Mid-Ohio. After a successful 22nd place finish at Road America the team is looking forward to working with Kevin again and are exciting about having another good run with him. Veteran driver & crew chief Carl Long will be calling the shoots for the team.(MHR)(8-7-2013)UPDATE: Due to the passing of Kevin O'Connell's mother, he will be unable to drive the #74 at Watkins Glen. He will return to the seat at Mid-Ohio. Carl Long will take over driving duties this week. Everybody at Mike Harmon Racing extends their condolences to the O'Connell family and we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.(Mike Harmon Racing)(8-9-2013)

Fans may miss truck races when SPEED transitions to FOX Sports 1: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice sessions and the Camping World Truck Series race August 17 from Michigan International Speedway will be among the live telecasts on the first day Fox Sports 1 goes on air in place of the Speed cable network. And that could be a problem. Among those still negotiating carriage fees with Fox Sports 1 are DirecTV, Dish and Time Warner Cable. Spokesmen for DirecTV and TWC said Thursday that discussions are ongoing and Dish also has not signed a deal, according to the SportsBusiness Daily.
Speed is in nearly 86 million homes, but millions of its current subscribers won't be able to see Fox Sports 1 unless a carriage deal is finalized.
DirecTV has 20 million subscribers, Time Warner Cable serves 14.6 million customers and Dish has 14 million subscribers. Not all of those subscribers pay for packages that include Speed (and would include Fox Sports 1), but those are three of the largest television providers in the country.
According to the SportsBusiness Journal, Speed costs about 23 cents each month per subscriber, and Fox is looking to increase that to 80 cents per month.
It's not surprising that these negotiations go down to the wire, but it's enough to make NASCAR fans nervous as the channel they know as Speed will cease to exist when Fox Sports 1 is launched in its place in about a week.
A NASCAR spokesman declined comment as negotiations between the network and the cable and satellite operators continue.
Among the NASCAR programming scheduled for Fox Sports 1 for August 17 is all of the NASCAR activity at Michigan, both Sprint Cup Series practices as well as the truck qualifying and race.
Just three days later, August 21 at Bristol, Fox Sports 1 is scheduled to show both truck practices as well as the truck race that night.
That's a good deal of NASCAR content in the first seven days of the new network all of which NASCAR fans are in jeopardy of not seeing.(Sporting News)(8-9-2013)

Blackberry Smoke In Concert at Martinsville: Award-winning Southern rock/country band Blackberry Smoke will headline the Turn 5 Concert Series near Martinsville Speedway during the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 Powered by Kroger weekend. Blackberry Smoke will play on Saturday night, October 26, at the outdoor Turn 5 concert venue, which is adjacent to the Martinsville Speedway campground. Popular Virginia rock band The Worx will headline on Friday, Oct. 25th. In all, six bands will take the stage over the course of this two-night charity fundraiser, which is organized and produced by Rooster Walk Inc. A two-night pass for all six bands will cost just $20 if purchased in advance. Single-day tickets will cost $10 for Friday and $15 for Saturday. Ticket sales will begin Friday morning, Aug. 9, at www.roosterwalk.com or www.brownpapertickets.com. Physical tickets will also be available in local stores in the next two weeks. The Turn 5 concert venue is located at 340 Clover Road in Ridgeway, about 100 yards away from the entrance to the Martinsville Speedway campground.(Martinsville Speedway)(8-9-2013)

News from August 8, 2013

Stewart has second leg surgery: #14-Tony Stewart underwent a successful second surgery on his right leg Thursday, Aug. 8 after suffering a broken tibia and fibula in a sprint car crash Monday night, Aug. 5 at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The first surgery, which happened early Tuesday, Aug. 6 in Iowa, served as a preliminary procedure to stabilize and clean the Grade 2 injury. The second surgery, by a specialist in North Carolina, involved inserting a metal rod inside the tibia, pressing it to its anatomic position. Stewart will remain hospitalized for observation. A discharge date has not been determined. Stewart's injury will sideline him indefinitely from driving his #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team he co-owns with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(8-8-2013)

Drissi returns to the #87: Tomy Drissi will team up with the #87 team for The Cheez-It 355 at The Glen. Tomy Drissi, a road course specialist from Hollywood, California will be making his 3rd career Sprint Cup Series start. Tomy and the #87 team will be promoting the movie, The Counselor which will be released on October 25, 2013, Directed by Ridley Scott and will feature Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz. Tomy Drissi is an American driver and Trans Am Champion. His driver experience includes ALMS, Trans-Am, NASCAR and Speed World Challenge.(NEMCO-JRR), see an image of the car on the #87 team paint schemes page.(8-8-2013)

Stewart's consecutive start streak to end: When #14-Tony Stewart misses this weekend's race at Watkins Glen, his consecutive race start streak will end at 521. He has never missed a race since making his Cup debut for Joe Gibbs at Daytona in February of 1999. He was third on the current list, behind #24-Jeff Gordon (710) and #31-Jeff Burton (613). Ricky Rudd is the all-time leader with 788 starts. See the current list on the Jayski's All-Time Starts page.(8-8-2013)

Fellows returns to the #33: Ron Fellows will once again be behind the wheel of the #33 Canadian Tire Chevrolet SS for the Sprint Cup Series' Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International this weekend. Fellows, who qualified 25^th and finished 22nd earlier this season at the road course in Sonoma, returns to Watkins Glen following a successful two-day test last week with the Circle Sport Racing team. In his 14 previous NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at The Glen, Fellows has two runner-up finishes, but has captured victories at the 2.45-mile road course in Nationwide and Truck Series competition.(Circle Sport PR)(8-8-2013)

Biffle to raise awareness of "Call Before You Dig": Common Ground Alliance announced it has partnered for the fourth consecutive year with 3M and Greg Biffle, driver of the 3M #16 Ford in the Sprint Cup Series, to promote the national 811 "Call Before You Dig" phone number on the #16 car on Sunday, Aug. 11 at Watkins Glen International. CGA is the national association dedicated to protecting underground utilities and the people who dig near them. 3M is one of the 1,500 members that comprise CGA. Biffle will promote 811 on the hood, deck lid, TV panel and rear quarter panels of his #16.CGA and 3M selected the Watkins Glen race for their annual partnership due to 8/11 being the numerical date for 811 on the calendar. CGA members across the country have used 8/11 as an important date for large-scale promotions that educate the public about the importance of calling 811 before digging. An underground utility line is damaged by digging once every eight minutes due to someone digging without first making a call to 811, according to CGA data.(CGA)(8-8-2013)

Cheez-Its on the #99: Kellogg Company, a partner of Roush Fenway Racing since 2010, will activate their multi-year entitlement sponsorship of this weekend's Cheez-It 355 at The Glen and run their second primary paint scheme with Carl Edwards in the #99 Cheez-It Ford Fusion. Cheez-It brand's parent, the Kellogg Company, has been involved with NASCAR since 1991. However this will be the company's first entitlement sponsorship. The announcement with Watkins Glen International was first made in January of 2013.(Roush Fenway), see an image of the car on the #99 team paint schemes page.(8-8-2013)

NASCAR lauches mobile app for Windows Phone 8: In an effort to bring more fans closer to all of the action, including the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint CupTM races, NASCAR Digital Media has launched the official NASCAR Mobile '13 app for Microsoft Windows Phone 8 devices. NASCAR Mobile '13, which is also available on Windows 8 tablets and PC as well as for iOS and Android devices, offers a wide range of features and functionalities, such as race information, in-depth news, expert analysis, video and photos across the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Sprint customers utilizing a Windows Phone 8 device will have exclusive access to all the premium live race day features including the race radio broadcast, drivers' in-car audio, advanced live leaderboard, alternate camera angles, and more for free with any Sprint Unlimited data plan. These features will be rolled out in phases throughout the remainder of the 2013 season. Beginning in 2014, the premium features will be available for a subscription fee to Windows Phone 8 mobile users across other carriers.(NASCAR)(8-8-2013)

Watkins Glen Goodyear Tire Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same Goodyear tire code (D-4590) on all four tire positions at Watkins Glen . . . this is the first time these teams have run this code at The Glen, though they have run it earlier this season . . . Sprint Cup teams ran this tire on all four tire positions at Sonoma and on the right-side at Martinsville . . . Nationwide teams also ran this tire on all four positions at Road America . . . compared to what was run at The Glen last season, this tire features a slight compound change and a reduction in gage (tread thickness) . . . as on all NASCAR road courses, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Watkins Glen. Goodyear will also bring 700 wet weather radials (D-4215) to Watkins Glen for use by Nationwide Series teams only, should NASCAR decide that conditions warrant.(Goodyear). See full tire notes on the Watkins Glen Race Info page - Goodyear section.(8-8-2013)

Tryson takes over as Piquet's crew chief Pat Tryson is taking on crew chief duties for Nelson Piquet Jr. and the #30 Nationwide Series team at Turner Scott Motorsports. Tryson most recently worked for BK Racing with David Reutimann and the #83 team, but the veteran crew chief has an extensive motorsports resume that includes eight career wins during his tenure at Roush Fenway Racing with Mark Martin and Penske Racing with Kurt Busch. Tryson replaces Chris Carrier, who led Piquet to two wins and a career-high finish of seventh in the truck series in 2012. However, this season Piquet has not shown the same promise in the Nationwide Series. In 20 starts, Piquet has produced just two top-10 finishes. Carrier was reassigned to work with Ben Kennedy, the 21-year-old great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France. Kennedy will race at Bristol in the truck series Aug. 21.(Fox Sports)(8-8-2013)

News from August 7, 2013

Zipadelli talks about Stewart: Greg Zipadelli, Competition Director, Stewart-Haas Racing discussed #14-Tony Stewart's condition with the media Wednesday morning. A few notes:
• There currently is no timeline for Stewart's recovery or return. They will know more after the second surgery is completed;
• The team will "absolutely" need a substitute driver for at least the next 2-3 races;
• They are talking to candidates to fill in, but don't have a timeline for an announcement; possibly in the next day or so;
• Zipadelli says that as many races as Tony runs the team is lucky that this is the first time they are having to deal with this issue;
• Stewart Haas will evaluate what races Stewart competes in going forward, but there will not necessarily be any changes.
• Stewart's sponsors: "They're all disappointed and we understand that."(8-7-2013)

Owen Kelly working with fellow Aussie at Phoenix Racing: When Owen Kelly achieves his goal of being the eighth Australian to start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup this weekend at Watkins Glen, he won't be the only Aussie in the #51-Phoenix Racing garage. Joining Kelly in his NASCAR Premier Division debut at the Cheez-It 355 will be the team's engineer, Andrew Dickeson, born and raised in Melbourne (Victoria). 31-year-old Dickeson has been with Phoenix Racing for four years, starting in their shock absorber program and now in a role as engineer. The pair have teamed up in the past when Kelly drove a V8 Supercar for former NASCAR racer Terry Wyhoon in Australia. Now based in Charlotte, Dickeson doesn't hide his enthusiasm about the opportunity to make Kelly's racing dream come true this weekend. "It's a big weekend for the Australian motorsport industry as a whole," said Dickeson. "It's been six years since we worked together and I'm pretty proud to be a part of this story.(BAM Media)(8-7-2013)

McDowell in the #35 at Watkins Glen: Michael McDowell will bring his extensive road course-racing background to Front Row Motorsports for the Watkins Glen International race weekend, as he'll get the nod to pilot the #35 Dockside Logistics Ford in the Sprint Cup Series' second road race of the season. McDowell, whose racing career was built on twist-and-turn tracks in the open-wheel and sports-car ranks before moving to stock cars, will compete under the Front Row banner for the first time. Dockside Logistics' return to the #35 Ford comes as the company expands with a new shipping facility in Savannah, Ga.(Front Row Motorsports)(8-7-2013)

Johnson can clinch Chase spot at Watkins Glen: It's that time of the year. One championship contender - #4-Jimmie Johnson - can clinch a berth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on Sunday at Watkins Glen International. The five-time Sprint Cup champion is the sole driver holding a clinch scenario this weekend. Johnson has to leave The Glen with a 193-point lead over the 11th place driver. Currently, he holds a 178-point lead over 11th, which is occupied by #14-Tony Stewart. Stewart will miss Sunday's race after breaking a leg in a sprint car race on Monday night. Reigning Sprint Cup champion #2-Brad Keselowski is 12th, 180 points behind Johnson. Johnson is the only competitor to have qualified for the Chase field in all nine seasons. A win at The Glen will guarantee Johnson at least a Wild Card entry into this year's post season. He has won four times already as has #20-Matt Kenseth. But mathematically - and officially - speaking, Kenseth cannot lock up a Wild Card spot just yet. There are other Johnson finishes that would give the five-time champion at least a Wild Card clinch depending on finishes from other competitors.(NASCAR)(8-7-2013)

Tire test held at Atlanta: A total of 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams took part in a Goodyear tire test on Tuesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway in preparation for the AdvoCare 500 NASCAR night race weekend August 30th to September 1st. Among speeds seen today in Atlanta include 189.150 mph by #43-Aric Almirola while #1-Jamie McMurray turned in a speed of 188.443 mph on the 1.54 mile speedway. #99-Carl Edwards, who won his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Atlanta in 2005, was among the drivers testing on Tuesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. A three-time winner in Atlanta, #78-Kurt Busch was also at Atlanta Motor Speedway testing in preparation for the AdvoCare 500. Other drivers that took part in the testing in Atlanta included #2-Brad Keselowski, #5-Kasey Kahne, #13-Casey Mears, #20-Matt Kenseth, #27-Paul Menard, #56-Martin Truex, Jr., AJ Allmendinger and #83-David Reutimann.(AMS)(8-7-2013)

Duck Dynasty scheme for Bowyer: #15-Clint Bowyer will drive a special PEAK/Duck Dynasty scheme Sunday at Watkins Glen International. Bowyer said, "Being a guest on an episode of Duck Dynasty with Willie and the boys was probably one of the biggest things I've done outside of a racecar since I got in this business. I had absolutely no idea the reach that show has. I spent my whole life working hard and making sacrifices to become a racecar driver and to be known as a good racecar driver. Now I'm just the guy with the camouflage limo that was on Duck Dynasty. (laughs). I think it's great that PEAK and Duck Dynasty came together to create this paint scheme and have some fun with it."(MWR), see an image of the car on the #15 team paint schemes page.(8-7-2013)

Allmendinger returns to the #47: This weekend AJ Allmendinger is slated to race the #47 SCOTT Products Toyota Camry for JTG Daugherty Racing in the Cheez-It 335 At The Glen. This is his third time behind the wheel of the #47 car. In four starts at Watkins Glen International, the 31-year-old has one top-five and two top-10 finishes. The California native's finishes at the road course include 11th, 13th, fourth and eighth respectively since his first visit in 2008. His best start is second place (8/15/11). Allmendinger's average finish is 9.0 and his average start is 15.3. His average running position of 14.2, ninth-best and his driver rating of 92.4, eighth-best.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(8-7-2013)

Hendrick drivers to test at New Hampshire: After battling each other for the win this past Sunday, #5-Kasey Kahne and teammate #24-Jeff Gordon will visit New Hampshire Motor Speedway as part of a Hendrick Motorsports test session on Tuesday, Aug. 13 and Wednesday, Aug. 14. The two-day test session is in preparation for the return of NASCAR's playoffs to the Magic Mile for the SYLVANIA 300 on Sept. 22. Five-time champion #48-Jimmie Johnson and the decade-long reigning "Most Popular Driver" in NASCAR, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., will join their Hendrick teammates at the test. The grandstands will be open free of charge to the public from 9:00am 5:00pm both days. The test session will come a little more than a month before NASCAR returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the SYLVANIA 300, the second stop in the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.(NHMS)(8-7-2013)

Sad News - Barbara Signore Barbara (Rich) Signore, 80 of Point Pleasant Boro passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 7 at home, surrounded by family and friends after a brief illness. Barbara was born in Elizabeth, NJ and resided in Cranford, NJ and Elizabeth before becoming a resident of Point Pleasant Boro over 50-years ago. She is a graduate of Ithica College, NY. She began her lifelong career in motorsports when she met and married her husband of 53-years, Jay Signore. Together they worked for, and managed, various operations for Penske Racing and then co-operated the International Race of Champions (IROC Series) of Tinton Falls, NJ. Services are under the direction of www.orenderfamilyhome.com. See complete service information on the Sad News page.(8-7-2013)

O'Connell in the #74 at Watkins Glen: Veteran road coarse racer Kevin O'Connell is returning to the seat of Mike Harmon's #74 NNS car for Watkins Glenn and Mid-Ohio. After a successful 22nd place finish at Road America the team is looking forward to working with Kevin again and are exciting about having another good run with him. Veteran driver & crew chief Carl Long will be calling the shoots for the team.(MHR)(8-7-2013)

Derek White returns to SR2 Motorsports: With the NASCAR Nationwide Series geared up for some road course action for the second time this season, Canadian Derek White prepares to return to the driver's seat as well. White will once again climb behind the wheel of the #24 Toyota of SR2 Motorsports for the running of the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International in scenic Watkins Glen, New York. The start on Saturday will be White's sixth career start in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and his second this year with his previous start at the road course of Road America. Much like that Road America event, White and the SR2 Motorsports team will be sponsored by VIP Poker for the 200 mile event at Watkins Glen. Situated in Kahnawake territory, just a short drive from Montreal, VIP is the epicenter of the Quebec poker boom.(Integrity Sports Marketing)(8-7-2013)

Connor named crew chief for Sauter: Dennis Connor, a three-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion, has joined ThorSport Racing as Johnny Sauter's crew chief for the #98 Carolina Nut Co. / Curb Records Toyota, effective immediately.
Connor, who was with Sauter and his crew last weekend at Pocono Raceway as an observer, has an exemplary career statistical record including the series' standard for championships by a crew chief, which he won with Jack Sprague at Hendrick Motorsports in 1997, 1999 and 2001. Connor's other significant statistical marks include the second-most career victories by a crew chief in the 19-year-old series' history, 26, a 40-percent ratio of top-five finishes, a 58-percent ratio of top-10 finishes, a 76-percent ratio of lead-lap finishes and a 90-percent ratio of races running at the finish in all his 278 career starts.Connor, who most recently worked on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East program at Rev Racing for diversity drivers Ryan Gifford and Jorge Arteaga in 2012, feels he has everything he needs to succeed at the current ThorSport, where he formerly worked.
Connor was Tracy Hines' crew chief at the end of 2004 and then was ThorSport's competition director in 2005. Connor was Shelby Howard's crew chief on the #13 truck in 2008, when the team was housed in its old shop.(ThorSport Racing PR)(8-7-2013)

Sharp forms partnership, team becomes Sharp Gallaher Racing: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team owner Eddie Sharp Jr.announced today that as he has formed a partnership with businessman Bill Gallaher of Santa Rosa, California, creating Sharp Gallaher Racing.
Gallaher is a successful real estate developer specializing in premium retirement communities and is Chairman of the Board of First Community Bank, based in Santa Rosa, California. He brings to SGR a business background that will raise the bar in Camping World Truck Series competition both on and off the race track.
Eddie Sharp Racing was formed in 2005 and has had its share of success winning the 2009 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Championship as well as 19 ARCA Racing Series events. ESR was also runner up in the ARCA Racing Series Championship three times in 2007, 2008 and 2010 before entering the Camping World Truck Series in 2011. In 2012 ESR won two Camping World Truck Series events with drivers Justin Lofton (Charlotte Motor Speedway) and Cale Gale (Homestead-Miami Speedway).(Sharp Gallaher Racing PR)(8-7-2013)

Peters truck too low UPDATE 2: The #17 Toyota driven by Timothy Peters failed post race inspection on Saturday following the Pocono Mountains 125 at Pocono Raceway for being too low. Peters finished 14th on Saturday and is currently eighth in the driver point standings.
At Texas in June, Ryan Blaney's team failed post race inspection for the same issue, with the crew chief being issued with a $5,000 fine, Blaney was docked six driver points, and team owner Brad Keselowski was docked six owner points. A NASCAR spokesperson said via the Truck Series Twitter feed that the sanctioning body would "follow up early in the week."(8-3-2013)UPDATE: Penalties have been levied to the #17 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team following last Saturday's race at Pocono Raceway.
The #17 truck was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20B of the NASCAR rule book); and 20B-12.8.1A (the roof failed to meet the minimum height requirement during post-race inspection) of the 2013 rule book.
As a result of this violation, crew chief Butch Hylton has been fined $5,000. The team has also been docked six championship driver (Timothy Peters) points and six championship truck owner (Tom DeLoach) points.(NASCAR Integrated Marketing PR)(8-7-2013)UPDATE 2: Red Horse Racing will not appeal the penalty handed down by NASCAR today regarding the #17 found too low in post race inspection this past weekend at Pocono Raceway. "Our race team respects NASCAR and the way our sport is governed by the sanctioning body," said Tom DeLoach, Managing Partner of Red Horse Racing. "We fully acknowledge that the team was too low in post race inspection because of a shock malfunction. Red Horse Racing accepts NASCAR's penalty and looks forward to success for the remainder of the 2013 season."
The shock malfunction found during post race teardown hindered the team's performance at Pocono Raceway. The team is disappointed in their result but is optimistic on the results during the upcoming races.
(Red Horse Racing PR)(8-7-2013)

Bristol launches Kids Club: With more families making the trip to enjoy events at the Last Great Colosseum, Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced the launch of The Bristol Kids Club - expanding several initiatives already in place. A membership club for youth 13-and-under, admission is free for those wanting to be a part of the latest BMS project. The club is supplemented by its own space on the Bristol Motor Speedway web site at http://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/kids/. The section features games and driver pages as well as coloring pages for younger ages. Bristol Motor Speedway officials made the first major adjustment two years ago with age-based ticket pricing. That was followed in 2012 by the development of a youth outreach programs during race weekends with activity areas exclusively for the younger fans. The first Kids Zone proved so popular a second one was added.(BMS)(8-7-2013)

Michigan offering free WiFi hotspots: Michigan International Speedway provided free WiFi hotspots for its fans during the Quicken Loans 400 weekend. The fans overwhelmingly approved the enhancement to NASCAR's fastest track. The free WiFi hotspots are returning for the Pure Michigan 400 weekend. These hotspots were the first of its kind on the NASCAR circuit. They are located at the Budweiser Party Porch at turn four, Champion's Club presented by CP Federal Credit Union, Pit Patio, MISCamping.com APEX and MISCamping.com Turn 2 Retreat. Additional WiFi hotspots will be explored and created in the coming years. Track President Roger Curtis added it would be difficult to launch hotspots across the entire 1,400-acre MIS in one swoop. So he's starting in popular areas where fans gather and working his way out.(MIS)(8-7-2013)

News from August 6, 2013

Pocono TV Ratings: ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 4, earned a 3.2 U.S. household rating, averaging 5,062,612 viewers, according to the Nielsen Company. The rating rose 10 percent from the 2012 race, which earned a 2.9 U.S. rating and averaged 4,448,849 viewers.(ESPN)See past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(8-6-2013)

Stewart breaks leg in Sprint Car race, will miss Watkins Glen UPDATE: Three-time NASCAR champion #14-Tony Stewart will miss this weekend's road course race at Watkins Glen after breaking his right leg in a sprint car race Monday night at Southern Iowa Speedway. A spokesman for Stewart said the 42-year-old driver broke his right tibia and fibula and had surgery after he was transported to a local hospital. An update was expected Tuesday afternoon, and Stewart-Haas Racing did not immediately announce a replacement driver for Stewart's #14 Chevrolet at Watkins Glen, where Stewart is a five-time winner. The team did cancel its scheduled Tuesday test at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The sprint car accident came a day after Stewart finished ninth in the NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway. He's 11th in the Sprint Cup standings with five races to go until the Chase for the Cup field is set. Missing the Watkins Glen race means Stewart likely will miss the Chase. Stewart was leading the 30-lap feature in a 360 winged sprint car with five laps remaining when a lapped car spun in Turn 4 and collected Stewart and two others.(ESPN/Associated Press)(8-6-2013)UPDATE: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart underwent surgery on his right leg early Tuesday morning, Aug. 6 after suffering a broken tibia and fibula in a sprint car crash Monday night, Aug. 5 at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Stewart did not sustain any other injuries. The surgery served as a preliminary procedure to stabilize and clean the Grade 2 injury. A second surgery will be necessary. In the meantime, Stewart will remain hospitalized for observation. Stewart was leading the 30-lap American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) feature when a lapped car spun in front of him. Stewart hit the lapped car and flipped. Stewart's injury will prevent him from competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event Aug. 9-11 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. Veteran racer Max Papis will serve as the interim driver for Stewart's #14 Chevrolet at Watkins Glen. Papis tested the #14 Chevrolet on July 30 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga.(Stewart Hass Racing)AND Tony Stewart posted the following message on Facebook, "I told someone to go get my phone or else I was going to get up and get it myself. Finally got reconnected to the world and just want to say thank you for all the prayers and well wishes. My team will remain strong and I will be back."(8-6-2013)

Pocono Race and Commercial Breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday's race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 1:02 pm, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 4:29pm/et. Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. ESPN was the broadcast team for this event.
Total number of commercials: 128
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 64
Number of times ESPN utilized 'Side-by-Side' commercials during this broadcast: 0
Total number of brief promos of products/services during the race broadcast: 29
Total amount of time these brief promos take during broadcast: app. 4 min. 15 sec.
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 1:02 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 4:29 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 207
Minutes of race broadcast: 145
Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 62
Number of missed restarts: 0
Number of 'mystery cautions' (debris not shown): 0
Total race brdcst time 145 Total comm. brdcst time 62
See more races, links to more detailed reports on the 2013 TV Commercials page.(8-6-2013)

Hamlin calls Kyle Petty a moron UPDATE: Add #11-Denny Hamlin to the list of Sprint Cup drivers not happy with television analyst and former driver Kyle Petty. Petty suggested during Sunday's RaceDay show on Fox Sports "SPEED" that Hamlin should end his 2013 season and focus on healing his lower back that was injured during an early season crash at Auto Club Speedway in California. He also said Hamlin suggested he was the face of Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin lashed out on Twitter, saying the son of Hall of Famer Richard Petty "is a moron.''
He continued to take shots at Petty after hitting the wall to end his day early at Pocono Raceway. "He's an analyst, but not a very informative one because he doesn't know anything,'' Hamlin said. "My beef with Kyle is he has a lot of opinions about a lot of drivers, but he never once talked to any of them. To be an analyst you've got to be in the trenches to find out the stories.''
Asked what Petty said that upset him, Hamlin said, "It's just saying I thought I was the face of JGR. What I really said was I was the face of [primary sponsor] FedEx and the #11 team."(ESPN)(8-5-20130)UPDATE: Kyle Petty, the driver-turned-analyst with the unfiltered opinions, has angered someone new. Petty didn't mean to make Denny Hamlin mad with his televised comments before Sunday's race at Pocono. Turns out, Hamlin had every right to be upset. Petty admitted on Monday he had misinterpreted previous statements made by Hamlin, and the opinion Petty presented pre-race about Hamlin was incorrect. "If you are going to run your mouth, if you are going to dish it out, you gotta take it, and the bone of contention here is that Denny is 100 percent right," Petty said. "I can take it, I can say that I'm wrong and that I misinterpreted what Denny said." Petty would have reached out to Hamlin or apologized for making a mistake, but then came the "moron" tweet. "Denny's argument was a typical Twitter argument, he calls me a moron and then he goes personal," Petty said. "So I'm just not going to acknowledge it."(Associated Press)(8-6-2013)

ISC sell Staten Island property: International Speedway Corporation announced that it sold its 676-acre parcel of property located in Staten Island, New York, to Staten Island Marine Development, LLC. Marine Development purchased 100 percent of the outstanding equity membership interests of 380 Development LLC, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of ISC and owner of the Staten Island property, for a total sales price of $80.0 million. The Company, as a result of the sale, expects to receive a cash tax benefit of approximately $41.5 million, based on its current corporate tax rate, that combined with the net proceeds will provide ISC with approximately $117.7 million in incremental cash flow. In addition to the sale proceeds, ISC has already received $4.2 million in non-refundable payments from Marine Development to have had the exclusive negotiation rights for the Staten Island property. ISC received $7.5 million of the purchase price at closing. The remaining purchase price will be financed with the Company holding a secured mortgage interest in 380 Development as well as the underlying property.(ISC), see more about the proposed New York City track on the NYC track news page.(8-6-2013)

Watkins Glen International News & Notes:
• After several events were held on the streets of Watkins Glen, a permanent facility was opened in 1956.
• The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was in 1957, won by Buck Baker (83.064 mph, 8/4/57).
• After a six-year absence, NASCAR returned to The Glen in 1964 and 1965.
• After a 21-year absence, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returned to The Glen, and has run one race a year there since 1986.
• There have been 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Watkins Glen International, one race per season.
• The first NSCS race at Watkins Glen was scheduled for 101.2-miles in 1957, the second race was 161.7-miles (1964) and the third race was 151.8-miles (1965). Every race since has been scheduled for 220.5-miles.
• 245 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen; 151 in more than one.
• Mark Martin, Michael Waltrip and Terry Labonte lead the series in starts at Watkins Glen with 22 each.
• Buddy Baker won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Watkins Glen in 1957 with a speed of 87.071 mph.
• 18 drivers have Coors Light poles at Watkins Glen, led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt and Mark Martin with three each.
• Mark Martin is the only NASCAR Sprint Cup driver to post consecutive Coors Light poles at Watkins Glen (three) 1993, 1994, and 1995.
• 18 different drivers have won at Watkins Glen International in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, led by Tony Stewart with five wins.
• Four drivers have posted consecutive wins at Watkins Glen, including three consecutive by Mark Martin (1993, '94, '95) and Jeff Gordon (1997, '98, '99). The other two drivers to win consecutive races at Watkins Glen are Tony Stewart (2004, '05) and Marcos Ambrose (2011, '12).
• Hendrick Motorsports has the most wins at Watkins Glen in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with six: Jeff Gordon (four), Tim Richmond (one) and Ricky Rudd (one).
• Six different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Watkins Glen; led by Chevrolet with 16 victories; followed by Ford with seven.
• Nine of the 30 (30%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Watkins Glen have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Kyle Busch in 2008.
• The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (nine) than any other starting position at Watkins Glen.
• 11 of the 30 (36.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Watkins Glen have been won from the front row: nine from the pole and two from second-place.
• 22 of the 30 (73.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Watkins Glen have been won from a top-10 starting position.
• None of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Watkins Glen have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
• The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Watkins Glen was 18th, by Steve Park in the 2000.
• Mark Martin leads the series in runner-up finishes at Watkins Glen with three.
• Mark Martin leads the series in top-five finishes at Watkins Glen with 12; followed by Ricky Rudd with eight.
• Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Watkins Glen with 16; followed by Ricky Rudd, Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart with 10 each.
• Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Watkins Glen with a 6.182.
• Marcos Ambrose leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Watkins Glen with a 2.000.
• All seven of the active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners at Watkins Glen participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane.
• Mark Martin (1993) and Kevin Harvick (2006) competed at Watkins Glen five times each before winning; the longest span of any the seven active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
• Terry Labonte and Michael Waltrip lead the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup starts at Watkins Glen without visiting Victory Lane at 22 each.
• Jeff Gordon leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in road course wins with nine (Sonoma, five; Watkins Glen, four); Tony Stewart has the second most road course wins all-time with seven (Watkins Glen, five; Sonoma, two).
• NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison holds the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series record for the most wins (six) at a single road course track - Riverside International Raceway.
• Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Watkins Glen was the 2001 race won by Jeff Gordon over Jeff Burton with a MOV of 0.172 second.
• There have been two NASCAR Sprint Cup races resulting with green-white-checkered finishes at Watkins Glen (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): 2005 (90/92) and 2011 (90/92).
• Only one of the 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Watkins Glen has been shortened due to weather conditions - the 1992 race only 51 of the scheduled 90 laps were completed. The Aug. 14, 2011 race was the only NSCS race at Watkins Glen that was postponed to another date due to weather (8/15/2011).
• Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Watkins Glen six times; most recently in 2008.
• Todd Bodine (8/10/1997) posted his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Watkins Glen.
• One active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver has posted his first career win at Watkins Glen: Marcos Ambrose (08/15/11).
• Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Watkins Glen with 233 laps led in 20 starts.
• Danica Patrick will attempt to join Patty Moise as the second female NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver to compete at Watkins Glen.(NASCAR)(8-6-2013)

Servicemaster to sponsor Phoenix Nationwide race:Phoenix International Raceway announced that ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore will be the title sponsor of the track's November NASCAR Nationwide Series race. The ServiceMaster 200 marks the first race entitlement for ServiceMaster in NASCAR. The ServiceMaster 200 will be the featured event for the third day of PIR's November race weekend. With the Nationwide Series title on the line, the green flag will drop on the ServiceMaster 200 at 2:00pm/mt on Saturday, November 9. Not only are ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore market leaders in cleaning and disaster restoration with more than 60 years of experience but also are business units of the ServiceMaster family of brands. ServiceMaster is one of the world's largest residential networks, featuring other household names such as Terminix, TruGreen, American Home Shield, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec.(PIR)(8-6-2013)

O.A.R. to perform pre-race concert at Texas: Rock band Of A Revolution, better known as O.A.R., will kick off the excitement of the eighth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup as the group will headline the Rock The Ring Pre-Race Show leading up to the AAA Texas 500 on Sunday, Nov. 3, at Texas Motor Speedway. O.A.R., who has sold more than two million albums since releasing its first album in 1997, will take the stage on the frontstretch at 12:20pm/ct and perform a free hour-long concert prior to the green flag for the AAA Texas 550 that is set for 2:00pm/ct. O.A.R. has continued to grow its fan base since it began as a collection of high school students developing their unique sound in Rockville, Md., in 1996. The band, consisting of lead vocalist Marc Roberge, drummer Chris Culos, guitarist Richard On, bassist Benj Gershman and saxophonist Jerry DePizzo, has risen to stardom during the course of its career. O.A.R. has performed around the globe and its popularity is no more evident than having sold out New York City's famed Madison Square Garden three times.(TMS)(8-6-2013)

News from August 5, 2013

Entry List for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is posted, 43 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #51-Owen Kelly, #52-Brian Keselowski, #32-Boris Said, #35-Michael McDowell, #33-Ron Fellows, #47-AJ Allmendinger. The Phil Parsons #98 team is not entered. With 43 teams at the track, no one will miss the race.
See the full entry list at my Jayski's Watkins Glen Entry List

Hamlin calls Kyle Petty a moron: Add #11-Denny Hamlin to the list of Sprint Cup drivers not happy with television analyst and former driver Kyle Petty. Petty suggested during Sunday's RaceDay show on Fox Sports "SPEED" that Hamlin should end his 2013 season and focus on healing his lower back that was injured during an early season crash at Auto Club Speedway in California. He also said Hamlin suggested he was the face of Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin lashed out on Twitter, saying the son of Hall of Famer Richard Petty "is a moron.''
He continued to take shots at Petty after hitting the wall to end his day early at Pocono Raceway. "He's an analyst, but not a very informative one because he doesn't know anything,'' Hamlin said. "My beef with Kyle is he has a lot of opinions about a lot of drivers, but he never once talked to any of them. To be an analyst you've got to be in the trenches to find out the stories.''
Asked what Petty said that upset him, Hamlin said, "It's just saying I thought I was the face of JGR. What I really said was I was the face of [primary sponsor] FedEx and the #11 team."(ESPN)(8-5-20130)

Kvapil not happy with Patrick after accident: Just when it looked like #10-Danica Patrick had figured out NASCAR's big superspeedways, she was involved in another wreck at Pocono Raceway. Patrick was running 18th and racing #93-Travis Kvapil when she appeared to get loose and drift into Kvapil's car on Lap 110. Patrick said she simply got loose and lost control of her car. This wasn't the first time Patrick and Kvapil have gotten together on the track as she took the blame for a wreck at New Hampshire last month. Patrick grimaced and nodded her head in agreement when asked if she and Kvapil seemed to be having a lot of contact on the track. Kvapil was obviously frustrated. "I'm done just getting run over and wrecked and racing her clean," Kvapil said. "I don't know. It's pretty frustrating. She's one of the best cars out there. We're a middle-of-the-pack car running in the top 20 and get wrecked again. It is just really frustrating. & When you're in vulnerable situations, you have to guard yourself and take care of your stuff. She is a rookie and you've got to learn that, but that's a couple of weeks in a row for me." Kvapil said he felt he deserved an apology after New Hampshire and never got one. He expects one after Pocono.(Sporting News)(8-5-2013)

Sad News - Dennis McCarson: Dennis Benjamin McCarson, 59, of Westchester Dr., Kannapolis, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2013, at his residence. Born September 10, 1953, in Hendersonville, NC, he was the son of Eula Taylor and the late Ralph McCarson. Mr. McCarson was a truck driver at Holland Trucking. He was passionate about music, golfing, hunting, fishing and NASCAR (as a spotter and hauler driver). Mr. McCarson loved spending time with his grandchildren and at the beach. He lived life to the fullest. In addition to his mother, Mr. McCarson is survived by his significant other, Marie Ellerby; children, Lindsay Rollins and Shauna Jones and husband, David; sisters, Colleen Case and Sandra Lyda; and grandchildren, Gracie Rollins, Ashley Jones and Sara Jones. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM, Wednesday, August 7, 2013, at the Cavin-Cook Funeral Home Chapel, Mooresville, with Rev. Randy Sherrill officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Associ ation, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family of Mr. McCarson. Condolences may be made to the McCarson family at www.cavin-cook.com.(8-5-2013)

Watkins Glen Nationwide Entry List:There are 39 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday's Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International. A few notes:
Anthony Gandon will drive the #23 for Rick Ware;
Derek White returns to the #24 for SR2;
Brendan Gaughan will be in the RCR #33;
Joey Logano will drive the Penske #48;
Andrew Ranger returns in the #52;
Kevin O'Connell will be in the #74 for Mike Harmon;
Kenny Habul will be in his #75;
Bryan Silas will drive the Go Green #79;
Kyle Kelley returns to the NEMCO #87.(8-5-2013)
See the complete list on the Watkins Glen entry list page.

Tony Eury, Sr. joins R3 Motorsports: R3 Motorsports announced that Tony Eury, Sr, "Pops", has signed on to lead the #23 NASCAR Nationwide team with driver, Robert Richardson, Jr. With the leadership, experience and proven record, R3 Motorsports is excited and views this as a great opportunity to raise the level of competition for their racing program. Owner, Robert Richardson, Sr., states, "We are excited to have Pops on board with us! We feel with what he brings to the table, this is our opportunity to get our program turned around and become more competitive."
"I have known the Richardson's for a long time and am looking forward to working with Rob, Jr and the R3 Motorsports team. This is a great opportunity to get back to the race track and help this team achieve the performances I know they are capable of," said Eury, Sr.(R3 Motorsports)(8-5-2013)

Shear joins Turn One: Speed / FOX Sports 1 pit reporter Hermie Sadler posted on his Twitter that Joe Shear, Jr., who recently left his stint as crew chief on Johnny Sauter's #98 Toyota, has joined Turn One Racing and driver of the #60 Chevy, Dakoda Armstrong. Armstrong is currently 12th in the driver point standings.(8-5-2013)UPDATE: Dakoda Armstrong, driver of the #60 WinField Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and officials from Turn One Racing confirm Monday the addition of Crew Chief Joe Shear, Jr. to the organization. Shear, Jr. joins Armstrong and Turn One at the start of the second half of the season and brings a wealth of knowledge from 143 previous NCWTS starts, most recently calling the shots for veteran driver Johnny Sauter.
Armstrong currently sits 12th in NCWTS driver point standings, 20 points out of 10th. His best performance in the first half of the season was a seventh place finish at Martinsville Speedway in April.(Dakoda Armstrong PR)(8-5-2013)

Canadian driver Guenette to make series debut on road course:
The Motos Illimitées/DLGL team is proud to announce that driver Alex Guenette will race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, at the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado 250 on September 1 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
This will be Alex's first race in what is effectively the third rung in the NASCAR racing hierarchy, behind the leading Sprint Cup Series and the second rung Nationwide Series. This race will also mark the first race run by the NCWTS race trucks in Canada and their first race on a road course in 13 years.
The team will practice in Sebring, Florida, where several Indy Car and American Le Mans Series also test. The track is close to the shop where transplanted Quebecer Mario Gosselin will prepare Alex's race truck, as well as the one that will be driven by NASCAR Canadian Tire Series regular Martin Roy at the same event. Alex is anticipating a long, hard weekend of work, as he will race in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race, held on the same day as the Truck race.(Inside Track)(8-5-2013)

Brantley Gilbert in concert at Chicagoland: Country music star Brantley Gilbert will perform a pre-race concert in Chicagoland Speedway's infield prior to the GEICO 400, the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. While all fans with a Sunday race ticket will be able to enjoy the concert from the grandstands, Pit and Infield Fan Zone Experience pass holders will be able to walk down to the infield to enjoy No. 1 hits such as "Country Must Be Country Wide" and "You Don't Know Her Like I Do." Though season ticket holders receive complimentary Pit and Infield Fan Zone Experience passes, they will also be available for purchase to non-season ticket holders. For $50, fans can purchase the pass for Sunday's GEICO 400 that will put them close to the stage as Brantley performs.(Chicagoland Speedway)(8-5-2013)

News from August 4, 2013

Kahne wins Pocono:#5-Kasey Kahne won the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his 2nd win of 2013 and 16th career win.
He took the lead from #24-Gordon with less 2 laps to go and pulled away to a margin of victory of 1.392 seconds. He also led the most laps on the day, 66 of 160.
#24-Gordon finished 2nd followed by #78-Busch, #39-Newman, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #2-Keselowski, #22-Logano, #18-Busch, #14-Stewart, and #16-Biffle.
Pole sitter and points leader, #48-Jimmie Johnson, cut a tire midway through the race and finished 13th.
There were 27 lead changes among 14 drivers and 9 cautions for 35 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 129.009mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Pocono Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Pocono Penalty Report (pdf).
(8-4-2013)

Race Fast Facts - Pocono:
Kasey Kahne won the 40th Annual GoBowling.com 400 , his 16th victory in 345 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2013. His first win was at Bristol in March.
This is his second victory and seventh top-10 finish in 20 races at Pocono Raceway.
Jeff Gordon (second) posted his 29th top-10 finish in 42 races at Pocono Raceway. It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2013.
Kurt Busch (third) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 25 races at Pocono Raceway.
Jimmie Johnson leads the point standings by 77 points over Clint Bowyer.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(8-4-2013)

Teams compromising on test sessions: If anything fosters cooperation between race teams in a single organization, it's the testing policy NASCAR instituted this season. With four tests available at tracks that host NASCAR events, drivers and crew chiefs must agree on which four tracks are optimum for testing, and that involves no small degree of give and take. With two drivers solidly in the Chase field--#48-Jimmie Johnson and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.--and two on the bubble--#5-Kasey Kahne and #24-Jeff Gordon--Hendrick Motorsports has opted to use one of its tests at a track the Sprint Cup will visit before the Chase (Richmond) and three that are Chase tracks (New Hampshire, Texas and Homestead). According to Gordon, the choice of tracks was a collaborative decision. "We discuss it in our Tuesday meetings, and I think all the crew chiefs get together in Monday meetings, and they come up with the race tracks they would like to go to," Gordon said. "They talk to their drivers and get that kind of information, and then on Tuesday, we come up with the best scenario that works for all of us. For me, I think we have a good game plan that works for all of us. Again, I said earlier that it's a compromise with the organization. When you have four teams, not everybody is going to be perfectly suited. But in this case, I think it suits our needs to get ourselves in the Chase, and if we get in the Chase, then it suits our teammates to be very competitive in the Chase."(NASCAR Wire Service)(8-4-2013)

NASCAR stars getting older: #24-Jeff Gordon turns 42 on Sunday at Pocono Raceway. Good for him, showing he's still got what it takes to compete for a Sprint Cup championship. Maybe not so good for NASCAR. As the sport tries to attract a younger fan base, the top talent keeps getting older with no signs of that changing. The average age of drivers in the top 10 in the standings is 36.5, four years older than in 2008. Led by #16-Greg Biffle, who will turn 44 in December, four drivers in the top 12 who would make the Chase if it started today are over 40 and 11 are 33 or older. #18-Kyle Busch, 28, is the baby of the bunch, no pun intended. Not since Jimmie #48-Johnson came onto the scene in 2002 has there been a young driver who successfully and consistently challenged the old guard for championships. He was 26 and arrived with little to no fanfare. Before that it was #14-Tony Stewart, who was 26 at the start of the 1998 season. Not since a 21-year-old Gordon entered NASCAR's top series in 1993 has a driver in his early 20s become dominant.(ESPN)(8-4-2013)

Only Three Birthday winners - two chances Sunday: Cale Yarborough, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth are the only NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers to ever win a points paying race on their birthday. Yarborough, birthday March 27, in 1977 at North Wilksboro Speedway and a second time in 1983 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch won at Richmond on May 2, 2009, to become only the 2nd driver EVER to win on their birthday, and only the third time ever.
Matt Kenseth won at Las Vegas on March 10, 2012, to become only the 3rd driver EVER to win on their birthday, and only the 4th time ever.(4-7-2013)UPDATE: #24-Jeff Gordon celebrates his 42nd birthday on Sunday and #78-Kurt Busch will turn 35. Either driver could become the fourth to win on their birthday.(8-4-2013)

John Henry buys Boston Globe: New York Times Co., which put its Boston Globe newspaper up for sale this year, agreed to sell the publication to John Henry, owner of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, for $70 million in cash. The deal is $40 million short of the $110 million in pension liabilities said to be owed by the Globe properties collectively known as the New England Media Group, and is expected to close in 30 to 60 days. The sale also includes the Globe website, the Boston.com website, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, a 49 percent stake in Metro Boston, and the Globe's direct-mail marketing company GlobeDirect, the New York Times said in a statement.
Henry is also the principal owner of Fenway Sports Group, one of the largest sports, media and entertainment companies in the world. In 2010, FSG bought Liverpool Football Club, the 18-time English soccer champion, and its Anfield stadium. The company also owns the New England Sports Network and a 50 percent share in Roush Fenway Racing, a NASCAR racing team.(Bloomberg)(8-4-2013)

Drivers joining fans at Chicagoland Checkered Flag Fan Zone: Danica Patrick, driver of the # 10 Go Daddy for Stewart-Haas Racing, will join fans for a question-and-answer session inside the Checkered Flag Fan Zone on Sunday, Sept. 15. The question-and-answer session will take place prior to the green flag of the GEICO 400, the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup at Chicagoland Speedway. Also appearing on Sunday in the Checkered Flag Fan Zone will be Dale Earnhardt Jr., winner of NASCAR's NMPA Most Popular Driver Award for a record tying 10 consecutive years. On Saturday, Sept. 14, NASCAR legends and brothers Bobby Allison and Donnie Allison will host the Checkered Flag Fan Zone, before the start of the Dollar General 300 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Located just outside the main entrance, the Checkered Flag Fan Zone provides race fans with a unique hospitality opportunity to enhance their race day experience. In addition to behind the scenes driver access and a full buffet meal in a climate-controlled tent with unlimited soda, water and three beer tickets, fans will also have access to music, entertainment and prizes.(Chicagoland Speedway)(8-4-2013)

Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway have been made.
Pole sitter #48-Johnson chose pit stall 1 [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #18-Busch took pit stall 31, with an opening front of it.
#99-Edwards, who starts 3rd took the 25th pit stall, also with an opening in front of it.
The 43rd and final pit stall was taken by #1-McMurray, who starts 12th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on the Pit Stall Selection chart.(8-3-2013)

Newman says nothing new on job search after Indy win: Friday, #39-Ryan Newman was asked about his search for a new ride for 2014:HOW HAS THE INDY WIN HAD AN EFFECT ON YOUR FUTURE AND DO YOU HAVE ANY SPONSORS TO TAKE TO A TEAM NEXT YEAR?
"I don't know. You can sit there and talk to somebody but until the writing is on the paper and the ink is dried, you really don't know. But I am in a situation where the phone has not rung off the hook with sponsors, or car owners, or manufacturers or any of that. I didn't expect it to and I think some people kind of expect it to. I am working on what I need to work on I feel to be in a good, competitive position next year. The win helps, but it's not a light switch. It doesn't turn everything on bright. It helps and gives you a vision, but there is more to it than that. The $20 million sponsor just doesn't jump right after you. I wish it did, but it doesn't."(Chevy PR)(8-3-2013)

Kahne featuring in running magazine: #5-Kasey Kahne will be featured in the September issue of Runners World magainze. Kahne discusses his running rivalry and how logging miles keeps him on track. Read the interview and see a video at the Runners World website.(8-3-2013)

Iowa Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski(i) won the 5th Annual U.S. Cellular 250 Presented by The Enlist Weed Control System, his 23rd victory in 198 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his third victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in four races at Iowa Speedway.
Sam Hornish Jr. (second) posted his third top-10 finish in five races at Iowa Speedway. It is his 15th top-10 finish in 2013.
Brian Vickers (third) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Iowa Speedway.
Kyle Larson (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Austin Dillon leads the point standings by 14 points over Regan Smith.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-3-2013)

Herring on Nationwide pole at Iowa: #54-Drew Herring won the Coors Light Pole for the US Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 135.367mph. It is his first career pole. #7-Regan Smith will start second. The rest of the top 10: #99-Alex Bowman, #2-Brian Scott, #22-Brd Keselowski, #20-Brian Vickers, #6-Trevor Bayne, #3-Austin Dillon, #31-Justin Allgaier, and #11-Elliott Sadler. Did Not Qualify: none. The starting lineup is posted on the Iowa starting lineup page (pdf).(8-3-2013)

Iowa Qualifying Notes:
Drew Herring won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 5th Annual U.S. Cellular 250 Presented by The Enlist Weed Control System with a lap of 23.270 seconds, 135.367 mph.
This is his first pole in 11 NASCAR Nationwide Series races.
This is his first pole and second top-10 start in 2013.
This is his first pole in five races at Iowa Speedway.
Regan Smith (second) posted his seventh top-10 start of 2013 and his second in two races at Iowa Speedway.
Alex Bowman (third) posted his first top-10 start at Iowa Speedway. It is his eighth in 20 races this season.
Alex Bowman (third) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(7-27-2013)

Peters truck too low: The #17 Toyota driven by Timothy Peters failed post race inspection on Saturday following the Pocono Mountains 125 at Pocono Raceway for being too low. Peters finished 14th on Saturday and is currently eighth in the driver point standings.
At Texas in June, Ryan Blaney's team failed post race inspection for the same issue, with the crew chief being issued with a $5,000 fine, Blaney was docked six driver points, and team owner Brad Keselowski was docked six owner points. A NASCAR spokesperson said via the Truck Series Twitter feed that the sanctioning body would "follow up early in the week."(8-3-2013)

Pocono Race Fast Facts:
Ryan Blaney won the 4th Annual Pocono Mountains 125 , his second victory in 20 NASCAR Camping
World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and seventh top-10 finish in 2013.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in one races at Pocono Raceway.
Miguel Paludo (second) posted the best finish of his career. It is his first top-10 finish in three races at
Pocono Raceway, and seventh top-10 finish in 2013.
German Quiroga (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Pocono Raceway. The third-place
finish matches the best finish of his career (Texas, 6/7/13).
Matt Crafton leads the point standings by 52 points over Jeb Burton.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(8-3-2013)

Rain delays the start at Pocono Raceway: Rain washed out qualifying at Pocono Raceway on Saturday morning and delayed the start of the Pocono Mountains 125. The sun is shining and track drying efforts are now underway, but it will take a while to dry the 2.5-mile track. Driver introductions were pushed back to 1:00 PM, the original race start time.
(8-3-2013)UPDATE: Track drying a success at Pocono. Expected race start time is 1:45 PM.(8-3-2013)

Paludo on pole for the Pocono Mountains 125 at Pocono Raceway: Rain washed out qualifying at Pocono Raceway on Saturday morning, giving #32-Miguel Paludo the pole position for the Pocono Mountains 125 based on Friday's practice speeds. #19-Ross Chastain will start second. The remainder of the top 10 are: #4-Jeb Burton, #77-German Quiroga, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #29-Ryan Blaney, #30-Todd Bodine, #31-James Buescher, #88-Matt Crafton, and #18-Joey Coulter. 36 were entered for the event, giving every truck a starting spot. See complete lineup on the Starting lineup (pdf) page.(8-3-2013)

Earnhardt Jr. and Harvick visiting Michigan Acceleration Club: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick are scheduled to be in the Acceleration Club before the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday, Aug. 18. The Acceleration Club is an all-inclusive fan hospitality club located in the New Holland Fan Plaza. Designed to get a race fan's engine running, the club is perfect for fans who want to upgrade their race weekend, but it's also great for companies looking to entertain clients, prospects or employees. Other special guests will be on hand during the weekend. Acceleration will remain open during the race and will stay open until one hour after the checkered flag on Sunday. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Fans can purchase hospitality packages either individually or for groups. Guests can enjoy the experience on Saturday or Sunday or can double the fun and attend both days. Admission is $79 for adults and $59 for kids for Saturday. On Sunday, tickets are $99 for adults and $79 for kids.(MIS)(8-3-2013)

News from August 2, 2013

Johnson wins Pocono pole: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the pole for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway with a TRACK RECORD speed of 180.654mph for his 2nd pole of 2013 and 31st of his career. #18-Busch is on the outside pole, followed by #99-Edwards, #39-Newman, #78-Busch, #22-Logano, #16-Biffle, #9-Ambrose, #11-Hamlin, and #43-Almirola. No drivers missed the race as there were 43 entries for 43 starting spots.
See pole progression, pdf links, qualifying results and starting lineup on Jayski's Pocono Starting Lineup / Qualifying page.(8-2-2013)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Pocono:
Jimmie Johnson won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 40th Annual GoBowling.com 400 with a track qualifying record lap of 49.819 seconds, 180.654 mph.
This is the 11th track qualifying record that has been broken so far this season by the Gen-6 race car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Johnson also broke the track qualifying record at Martinsville Speedway this season.
This is his 31st pole in 420 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 12th top-10 start in 2013.
This is his third pole in 24 races at Pocono Raceway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his 17th top-10 start of 2013 and his 10th in 18 races at Pocono Raceway.
Carl Edwards (third) posted his seventh top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his 11th in 21 races this season.
(NASCAR Statistics)(8-2-2013)

Friday practice for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over after 90 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes.
#78-Busch 177.866
#18-Busch 177.860
#16-Biffle 177.228
#31-Burton 176.769
#22-Logano 176.717
slowest: #19-Kennedy 168.388 & #33-Raines 163.503.
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. slapped the wall early in practice. The team will repair the car.
Qualifying is scheduled for today at 3:10pm/et on SPEED.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Pocono Practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-2-2013)

Qualifying Order for the GoBowling.com 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is posted. 43 cars/drivers are listed.
The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is #24-Gordon.
The final driver scheduled to go out is #9-Ambrose.
Fastest in Friday practice, #78-Busch, is scheduled to qualify 20th.
Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.
See the full qualifying order on the Pocono Qualifying Page.(8-2-2013)

FOX Sports extends and expands NASCAR agreement UPDATE: FOX Sports and NASCAR solidified their future together last October when they announced a multi-platform, multi-series media rights agreement through 2022. Today, less than 10 months later, the two organizations announced they have extended that agreement, which begins in 2015 and runs through 2024. In addition, FOX Sports has added exclusive rights to three additional NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events and the first 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series events of each season. FOX Sports secured exclusive rights to the entire NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season through 2022 last fall and that part of the agreement also has been extended through 2024. Financial terms of the extended agreement were not disclosed.
NASCAR's media rights package for 2015 and beyond is now complete with FOX Sports holding rights to the first 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, first 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series races and entire NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. NBC, which last broadcast NASCAR events in 2006, will televise the final 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, final 19 NASCAR Nationwide Series races and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour events beginning in 2015.
In total, NASCAR will have the same number of NASCAR Sprint Cup races on network television 16 as it does in the current television package. FOX Sports will broadcast nine races and NBC will show seven.
Summary of FOX Sports' Exclusive Rights (2015-2024):
• First 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races of each season, including the Daytona 500
• Nine on FOX Sports and seven on FOX Sports 1
• First 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series points races of each season
• Fourteen races on FOX Sports 1
• NASCAR Sprint Unlimited, Budweiser Duel and NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race
• All NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races
(NASCAR)(8-1-2014)UPDATE: As expected, Fox Sports and its new Fox Sports 1 network announced Thursday they would broadcast three additional NASCAR Sprint Cup and 14 Nationwide Series races annually beginning in 2015. What was a surprise was Fox which had already agreed to a contract extension through 2022 last fall extended its newly expanded deal an additional two years through 2024. Industry sources told the Observer the total cost of the now 10-year Fox deal is $3.8 billion, slightly less than the 10-year, $4.4 billion deal announced last week by NBC, which will broadcast the second half of each season in Cup and Nationwide. Both networks' contracts will now expire at the same time. Beginning in 2015, NASCAR will reap an average of $820 million a year from its TV partners. By comparison, the NFL's current deal among four networks, which expires after this season, averages $3.085 billion a year.(Charlotte Observer)(8-2-2013)

New sponsors for Burton at Pocono: Jeff Burton will race the #31 FXI Gutter Clear365 Chevy this weekend att Pocono Raceway. FXI is a leading producer of foam innovation for several markets. Their products include finished goods, sub-assemblies, services and raw materials for original equipment manufacturers (OEM), fabricators and retailers. The Gutter Clear365 gutter protection system consists of open cell multi-polymer inserts, specially shaped and cut to fit snugly into your gutters. It works by completely sealing off the gutter cavity, leaving no room for leaves and other debris to enter the interiors of your gutters while maintaining the water flow capacity of your gutters.(RCR)(8-2-2013)

Paludo fastest in practice at Pocono: #32-Miguel Paludo was fastest during the one and only practice session for the trucks at Pocono Raceway in preparation for Saturday's Pocono Mountains 125. Paludo had a fast lap at 167.673 mph. #19-Ross Chastain was second, followed by: #4-Jeb Burton, #77-German Quiroga, #54-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #29-Ryan Blaney, #30-Todd Bodine, #31-James Buescher, #88-Matt Crafton, and #18-Joey Coulter closing out the top-10. 34 of the 36 entered drivers participated in the session. See complete results on the Pocono practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(8-2-2013)

Lakeshore Band to play the national anthem at Michigan: The Lakeshore High School band will perform the national anthem before the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday, Aug. 18. The marching band will represent the state of Michigan at the 70th anniversary celebration of D-Day in Normandy, France in 2014. The Lakeshore High School band, which has won three Michigan Competing Band Association Flight III State Championships, will play a special tribute to the 419 soldiers of Michigan resting at the Normandy American Cemetery in Normandy, France. Marching students will also wear a ribbon in honor of the last living WWII veterans in the Wolverine State. After the ceremonies, each ribbon will be mailed to a veteran as a symbol of gratitude for service and sacrifice.(MIS)(8-2-2013)

Harvick to visit the Budweiser Turn 1 Tavern at The Glen: Watkins Glen International has partnered with Budweiser to enhance the fan experience of the Turn 1 Tavern; merging the two hospitality areas into the Budweiser Turn 1 Tavern. As part of the merger, Kevin Harvick will make an appearance in the Tavern prior to the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen on Sunday. The success of The Bog hospitality area led Watkins Glen to introduce the Budweiser Turn 1 Tavern in 2012 to provide fans in The Ninety, Seneca and Argetsinger grandstands a similar fan hospitality opportunity. Priced at just $75 for the weekend, the Budweiser Turn 1 Tavern includes buffet-style food service on Saturday and Sunday. A la carte food, at a discounted price, is available for purchase on Friday. Discounted beverages are available for purchase Friday through Sunday.(WGI)(8-2-2013)

News from August 1, 2013

FOX Sports extends and expands NASCAR agreement: FOX Sports and NASCAR solidified their future together last October when they announced a multi-platform, multi-series media rights agreement through 2022. Today, less than 10 months later, the two organizations announced they have extended that agreement, which begins in 2015 and runs through 2024. In addition, FOX Sports has added exclusive rights to three additional NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events and the first 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series events of each season. FOX Sports secured exclusive rights to the entire NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season through 2022 last fall and that part of the agreement also has been extended through 2024. Financial terms of the extended agreement were not disclosed.
NASCAR's media rights package for 2015 and beyond is now complete with FOX Sports holding rights to the first 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, first 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series races and entire NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. NBC, which last broadcast NASCAR events in 2006, will televise the final 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, final 19 NASCAR Nationwide Series races and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour events beginning in 2015.
In total, NASCAR will have the same number of NASCAR Sprint Cup races on network television 16 as it does in the current television package. FOX Sports will broadcast nine races and NBC will show seven.
Summary of FOX Sports' Exclusive Rights (2015-2024):
• First 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points races of each season, including the Daytona 500
• Nine on FOX Sports and seven on FOX Sports 1
• First 14 NASCAR Nationwide Series points races of each season
• Fourteen races on FOX Sports 1
• NASCAR Sprint Unlimited, Budweiser Duel and NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race
• All NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races
(NASCAR)(8-1-2014)

Preseason media tour getting a change in 2014: Charlotte Motor Speedway's annual preseason NASCAR media tour, which has brought hundreds of motorsports journalists to the Charlotte area each January for three decades, will undergo a facelift next season. The media tour, typically held over four days in mid-January, will be repackaged and consolidated in 2014 and center around the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony held in uptown Charlotte. In 2014, the tour will begin Tuesday, Jan. 28, and conclude on Thursday, Jan. 30. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday night, Jan. 29. Most events on the tour will take place in and around the Hall of Fame. Most years the tour has been based at a hotel near the speedway. The Hall will also host a fan-focused event on Feb. 1, called "NASCAR Fan Day at the NASCAR Hall of Fame." The details of the day's activities will be announced at a later time.(Charlotte Observer)(8-1-2013)

Redd's back on the #2; Keselowski doing double duty: This weekend, the #2 Ford will branch out with a different paint scheme. REDD'S Apple Ale, a new product from MillerCoors, will adorn Keselowski's ride for this weekend's race at Pocono Raceway. For just the eighth time this season, Brad Keselowski will pull double duty by running in both the NSCS race and the Nationwide Series race on the same weekend. However, this is the first - and only - weekend where he will run non-companion races as the NNS will compete at Iowa Speedway on Saturday night.(Penske Racing), see an image of the car on the #2 team paint schemes page.(8-1-2013)

Different look for Kyle Busch at Pocono: #18-Kyle Busch will drive a special Peanut Butter M&M'S Toyota at the race in Pocono this weekend and again in New Hampshire.(JGR), see an image of the car on the #18 team paint schemes page.(8-1-2013)

Fastenal sponsoring Bayne at Iowa: Fastenal, the longtime sponsor of Carl Edwards in the #99 Fastenal Ford Fusion, will adorn the hood of both NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide cars this weekend. Fastenal will return to the track at Pocono Raceway with Edwards as the primary partner, while Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne will run the #6 Fastenal Mustang at the US Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway. Both Bayne and Edwards ran Fastenal paint schemes in the Nationwide Series in 2011.(Roush Fenway)(8-1-2013)

Fellows driving for JR Motorsports at Mid-Ohio: Ron Fellows, the accomplished sports car and road racer, will drive for JR Motorsports in the Aug. 17 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Fellows will drive the #5 Chevy Camaro SS and carry primary branding from AER Manufacturing, a world leader in engine remanufacturing for the past 60 years. AER has sponsored Fellows in previous NASCAR ventures including last year at Road America and has backed Fellows in the Trans Am Series and American Le Mans Series since 1990.(JR Motorsports)(8-1-2013)

Ehrgott to debut with SS Greenlight: Just four years ago, Ricky Ehrgott suffered life-threatening injuries while driving a midget at Kokomo Speedway in Indiana, during his months of recovery, the Florida native was not sure if he would every return to the sport he was passionate about. After successful surgery, Ricky utilized his recovery time by finishing his college degree. In December of 2012, he graduated from Fordham University in New York City.
Economics degree in-hand Ehrgott set out to get behind the wheel again, driving in two ARCA races last fall. This season Ricky has two top-ten finishes in the ARCA series including an impressive third place run at the season opener at Daytona, followed by a ninth place finish at Talladega. This Saturday Ehrgott will take the next step in his racing career, getting behind the wheel of the SS Green Light Racing #81 Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Pocono Mountains 125 at the Pocono Raceway.
Platinum Wealth Partners and Rev1 Power Services will be backing Ehrgott's foray into the world of NASCAR racing.(SS Green Light Racing PR)(8-1-2013)

Early Bird Camping World RV Sales 500 Tickets On Sale: The saying "the early bird gets the worm" rings especially true for getting tickets early to Talladega Superspeedway's October classic Camping World RV Sales 500 weekend, featuring the sixth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. Now through September 22, fans will receive $10 off the regular price of any Frontstretch Grandstand or Frontstretch Tower ticket to the Sunday, October 20, Camping World RV Sales 500. Additionally, fans will get $5 off for any Frontstretch Grandstand or Frontstretch Tower seat for the Saturday, October 19, fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola. A two-day Tower ticket package to both the Camping World RV Sales 500 and the fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola will be $10 off each package as well. In addition to the great news on ticket opportunities, fans will be excited to learn that five-time Talladega Superspeedway winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to make an appearance in the Talladega Experience NASCAR's finest hospitality venue during the Camping World RV Sales 500 Weekend. The Talladega Experience is just one of the many ticket upgrades available to Talladega Superspeedway ticket holders. It is designed for the FAN, with the ultimate goal of providing each guest with a world-class experience and memories to last a lifetime. The package, which must be accompanied by a Frontstretch Grandstand or Tower ticket, is $145 and can be purchased by calling 877-Go2-DEGA or visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. Other ticket upgrades available include Pre-Race Pit Passes, Fan Suites, the Paddock Club, and the Acceleration Package.(TSS)(8-1-2013)